by: Adam Kostanuick, March 26, 2018
The Canadian Men’s National Team made John Herdman’s coaching debut a memorable one, with a 1-0 triumph over New Zealand at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain on the weekend.
The game, destined to be scrutinized by soccer fans from coast to coast, was the culmination of a training camp that offered Herdman a first opportunity to ingrain his philosophies in the men’s program .
Three players made their senior debuts for Canada: Marcus Godinho, Liam Millar, and David Wotherspoon. Millar, 18 years old and currently playing his club football with Liverpool’s U23 squad, was particularly impressive, earning man of the match plaudits for his display.
Canada, playing into a strong wind in the first half, looked edgy for the game’s first 15 minutes before enjoying more ball possession and retaining an organized, measured shape.
The wind played a factor in the second half, as Tossaint Ricketts notched the game’s lone goal in the 54th minute. After creeping behind the New Zealand backline and chesting down a Dejan Jakovic ball that carried in the breeze, Ricketts finished confidently. It was Ricketts’ 16th goal for Canada.
The de facto Herdman Era has now begun in earnest, and despite the slow start and some overall shakiness at the back from the men in red, there were many positives to take from the game.
As mentioned above, Liam Millar was strong up the left, delivering a performance vastly beyond his age and experience. He proved to be Canada’s most dangerous attacking player, challenging defenders with his speed and ball-handling ability.
Given ample space up the left wing in the first 45 minutes, Millar never shied away from deep, probing runs, beating several New Zealand players and having a cross cut out for a corner kick in the half’s latter stages.
He came extremely close to opening his account for Canada in the 78th minute, getting a grazing touch on a Tesho Akindele cross that deflected wide of goal.
Marcus Godinho also had an impressive showing in his debut, entering the match for the injured Michael Petrasso just before halftime.
Godinho, playing for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, was unafraid of imposing his physicality on opponents. He certainly looks a viable option at right back moving forward if Petrasso is unable to stake his claim as first choice for Herdman.
Canada also did well to kill the match after assuming the lead. In the final 25 minutes, they strove to keep New Zealand on the back foot, maintaining possession and choosing their attacking moves wisely.
Photo Credit: Canada Soccer
Speaking to Canada Soccer, Herdman said after the match, ”I am just happy for the boys because they put in a good shift this week. They showed resilience and came out in the second half and controlled the game.”
“I think this is just the start,” he added. “Speaking to some of the boys coming off the pitch, they were excited about some of the things that were happening out there. There’s a lot more to come and that’s the great thing about this group.”
Next up for Canada, at least for the time being, is an away fixture in September against the U.S. Virgin Islands in the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League. Ideally, Canada Soccer will secure another friendly between now and the fall, allowing Herdman at least one more look at his charges before the competition starts in earnest.
Until then, soccer fans can rest assured after a solid effort from Canada’s men under the stewardship of their new leader on the touchline.
