If you were looking for the definition of “preparatory match” in the dictionary, you can stop your search. This friendly match between Canada and Bahrain had all the particularities. The two teams tied the game 2-2 on Friday in a game largely to the advantage of the North American visitors.
Posted at 12:49 p.m.
Joel Waterman got his very first minutes with Canada. Samuel Piette, Kamal Miller, Alistair Johnston and Ismaël Koné were also starters. In all, with Zachary Brault-Guillard coming on in the second half, six CF Montreal players out of the eight recalled played on the poorly maintained field in Bahrain.
CFM supporters will also be happy to read that Ismaël Koné was one of his team’s best players on Friday. It was he who scored Canada’s first goal, in the 6the minute. His control of the pass lobbed from long distance by Kamal Miller was exquisite, as was the perfect shot down the center that followed. No doubt, now, that Koné will have a say in the Canadian course at the World Cup.
The young Quebecer nevertheless qualified this performance as “disappointing” on the airwaves of OneSoccer after the fact. “We should have won this match. »
ZBG, entered at 59eserved the center which led to a goal from Lucas Cavallini in the 81e. The success, which looked like a Bahrain own goal, tied the game at 2-2 for Canada. The Reds (in white) trailed from a penalty awarded in the 64e.
Doneil Henry injured in warm-up
The Canadian roster was made up almost exclusively of MLS players whose season ended a few weeks ago. Thus, the stars Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Stephen Eustáquio and Cyle Larin, in particular, were not there.
For those present, the goal was to grab the last seats available on the plane to Qatar. Others, like Miller and Johnston whose seats are already reserved, used this Canadian camp only to keep in shape before the big tournament.
But bad news fell on coach John Herdman’s head before the game even started. Defender Doneil Henry, who was scheduled to start, was injured in the warm-up. This is how Joel Waterman, who was to be on the bench, got his first appearance – and his first start – for his country. He played all 90 minutes.
For Doneil Henry, whose leadership has often been praised by John Herdman, his presence at the World Cup is currently uncertain.
Rough match
Canada’s dominance was complete early in the game…until a Waterman error in defence, followed by more clumsy moves in defence, allowed Bahrain to tie the game in the 14th minute.e. Waterman nevertheless recovered well afterwards.
This goal gave Bahrain confidence, but not enough to change the trajectory of the game.
The second half was better contested. There were more opportunities for the locals. This presence in the Canadian zone eventually forced Alistair Johnston into a costly foul at the entrance to the penalty area. The penalty was converted in the 64eand Bahrain took a 2-1 lead.
The match was tough, played in difficult conditions. The fear of injury became more and more felt. Kamal Miller even seemed slightly inconvenienced in the second half, until his exit from the match at the 70e.
Canada will now have to look to Japan for its November 17 matchup, 6 days before the one against Belgium. A prestigious opponent, who has several participations in the World Cup to his credit. Canada’s best players should be there this time.