Should the CanMNT beat Venezuela on Friday they will face either Argentina or Ecuador in the semi-final on July 9. It’s the first time Canada has ever competed in Copa America, and they’ve done better than the United States on their tournament debut.
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Tajon Buchanan suffered a significant injury in training putting his Copa America status in doubt.(2022 Fantasista)
Despite qualifying from a tough group, coach Marsch is adamant that the CanMNT has a point to prove. “We are not satisfied. The group is not satisfied. They want to keep going,” Marsch said in his postgame news conference after sealing a 0-0 draw against Chile to advance.
“They know, no matter who our next opponent is, it will be a difficult match. But they believe in themselves. We’re excited for this next challenge.” It’s Marsch’s first tournament as Canada’s head coach after being hired back in May, and he’s faced with his first major roster test with Buchanan set to be sidelined.
“When I took the job, I knew the group,” Marsch said. “I knew the task at hand was going to be difficult. But we’ve played five matches and had clean sheets in eight of the 10 halves.
Jesse Marsch has impressed in his first tournament as Canada head coach.(2024 Getty Images)
“There was a lot of talk about defensive frailties, and no one was sure how the team would be able to defend. But the entire team has been tactically very organized, and disciplined. We’ve looked athletic and strong in every match.”
“We need a little bit more of an edge,” Marsch added. “I need them to be mad at me sometimes when they don’t play, I need them to be a bit angry with the coach on certain decisions, but we’ll get there. This is part of the maturation, the demand and expectation we have for each other, what this is really going to require.”
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Publish date : 2024-07-02 13:37:00
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