John Herdman 'proud' of the impression Canada have made at World Cup
By Chris Smith
John Herdman believes his players have gone a long way in changing external perceptions of the Canadian Men's National Team.
Les Rouges are heading home from Qatar after three defeats against Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco. However, they were able to score their first-ever World Cup goals and came agonizingly close to securing a point against the latter. Meanwhile, their performance in a 1-0 loss to Belgium will live long in the memory.
Attention now turns to Canada's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, where they'll co-host alongside the United States and Mexico. Herdman believes the CanMNT will work toward that tournament on a totally different footing.
“We can definitely be proud of the external world talking strongly and positively about Canada,” said the Englishman. “We're playing a Moroccan team that’s been to multiple World Cups and found their way [to first place] and got out of the group stage with players with Premier League and Champions League experience across the whole team, and you play Croatians and Belgians and we’re competing.”
On the outside perceptions of Canada changing following their impressive showing in Qatar, Herdman added: “Now teams will want to play Canada. Teams will invite Canada to play. This is what we wanted to do in this tournament.
“We know that people around the world are looking at this country saying, ‘Wow, they've got some good young talented players'."
Perhaps most importantly, the 2022 World Cup offered Canadian players the sort of visibility they've been denied since 1986. Already, CF Montreal defender Alistair Johnston is on the verge of joining Celtic, while the likes of Ismael Kone, Tajon Buchanan, and Stephen Eustaquio did absolutely no harm to their growing reputations.
“That’s one of the big questions that we’ve got to keep on answering as a country. Now our players have been seen," said Herdman.
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