John Herdman insists World Cup qualification will usher in a 'New Canada' era
By Chris Smith
Canada is on the verge of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986, but this is just the latest step toward ushering in a new era.
The Canucks spent far too long as the Concacaf whipping boys, failing time and again on the world stage with their only respite since '86 coming in the form of their 2000 Gold Cup success.
But a flood of new talent has seen them become a recognized force once again. Now, heading into the final three qualifying fixtures, they top the Concacaf group unbeaten after 11 games.
Qatar 2022 is within their grasp, but head coach John Herdman knows this is just one step on a path to building what he calls 'New Canada'.
“With that mission, there’s a number of goals that sit underneath it," Herdman told reporters in the build-up to Thursday's clash with Costa Rica (via TSN).
"You’re not New Canada unless you really do pioneer in this period of time. For us, internally, we’ve got some really clear goals that we’re laser-focused on and we’re on track. We’re on track to really set ourselves up as New Canada and as the players have said, put the world on notice.”
On CanMNT's wider goals, Herdman continued: “I’ve said this all along, but these guys are fighting for something way beyond just a three-point game and qualification for Qatar, and we have been since I took over the team. There’s been a real clarity. It took time for the players to really burn it into their minds and connect around that shared purpose. And it’s there now. It’s so clear.”
With the finish line for World Cup qualification and an impressive unbeaten record now in view, you'd forgive the Canadians for beginning to feel the pressure. They're in uncharted territory and after years of insignificance, they now have the eyes of a nation (and a few more worldwide) on them.
But veteran midfielder and team captain Atiba Hutchison believes the hard part is already well behind them, labeling his young teammates as 'fearless' ahead of another step into the unknown.
“This team, this program, we’ve gone through a lot. We’ve had a lot of rough times and heartbreaking results," the Besiktas star said. “And for it to be going the way that it's going now, we’re a fearless team and we’ve got a lot of confidence. We’re just expressing ourselves now."
Following Thursday's match in Costa Rica, Canada host Jamaica and travel to Panama to round off their qualification campaign.