(San José) There seem to be two thoughts going through the heads of the Canadian team.
Posted at 7:00 a.m.
On the one hand, there is the greatness of the moment. A win on Thursday against Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying would make John Herdman’s men’s dream come true.
On the other hand, there is this need to keep both feet on the ground. Not to be distracted by the magnitude of the moment, precisely.
No one described the feeling better than striker Lucas Cavallini on Wednesday night outside the Estadio Nacional pitch, the scene of the next day’s clash.
“We are 90 minutes away from qualifying our team for the World Cup, but we have to make sure we stay humble,” he noted.
The afternoon rain had faded an hour earlier. The lawn, in the center of which the players had gathered a few moments before, was still damp. A few puddles dotted the running track surrounding the field. The media had the chance – because that’s what it is, after so many months of the pandemic – to speak to the players in person.
PHOTO JEAN-FRANÇOIS TEOTONIO, THE PRESS
Jonathan Osorio
His words echoed those of Jonathan Osorio, who had said essentially the same thing before him, and those of their coach, John Herdman.
“Like all games in the Octagonal, it’s a cup final,” said the Canada coach by videoconference earlier today. “We have to ignore this opportunity, the scoreboard and what happens in other games. »
We’re going to fight together, we’re going to have fun together, but we’re not going to get carried away. We talked a lot about humility during training this week.
John Herdman, Canadian team coach
The question was even put directly to Herdman. How to balance this excitement and the importance of the meeting?
“It’s a matter of moderation,” he said. I let them feel that passion and that energy, but you also have to keep the process in mind. […] During these qualifications, we learned lessons that prevented the greatness of the moment from coming to play in the minds of the group. »
Costa Rica in survival mode
Thursday night’s game isn’t just important for Canada. It is crucial for Costa Rica.
At 16 points and in 5and position in the Octagon, La Sele must win at all costs to keep his chances of fighting for the top 4.
She will have a jam-packed Estadio Nacional to help her achieve that. Some 35,000 passionate Costa Rican fans will be cheering on their team. There should also be a contingent of Canadian fans in attendance.
Herdman notes that the Costa Rican league has even suspended its activities in the last two weeks, so that the selection can properly prepare for this international break.
PHOTO FROM TWITTER ACCOUNT @CANADASOCCEREN
John Herdman
“They’ve been in training camp for 10 days,” said the coach. They train twice a day. The Costa Rica we saw in November will be very different from the one we will have on Thursday.
“This group of players know that this is probably, under the circumstances, the most difficult match they will have to play in this qualifying phase. [Le Costa Rica] has a determining objective, that of staying alive. »
And Herdman to add: “They are undefeated in four games, they have three shutouts. […] They adhere to their coach’s philosophy, which involves playing solid defensive play. »
But this is where the need for humility is most felt.
“We are going to start this match as we start all matches,” said Jonathan Osorio. We fear no one. This is a team that wants to stay alive. We know what to expect. We also know who we are. We will go on the field with all the confidence that we usually display. »
Same story for Cavallini.
“We only care about ourselves. We are not afraid of anything. If they want to elbow, we can elbow too. We have already shown our character. We have already shown that we are going to fight. »
Good words for Ismaël Koné
PHOTO FROM TWITTER ACCOUNT @CANADASOCCEREN
Ismael Kone
The young Ismaël Koné, recalled for the very first time with the Canadian team for this international break, is already impressing his coach. Asked about the CF Montreal midfielder on Wednesday, John Herdman was ecstatic. “This youngster is honest and has both feet on the ground. He has a personality. You can joke with him. He is not dazzled by the environment, by the people he meets. He walks around with a bulging chest, but not in an arrogant way. The guys made it comfortable. He adapted without difficulty. Some of the guys have already noticed his qualities. “Not bad for a player who has only seven professional games under the crampons.