There were mixed feelings in the Canada dressing room after the 2-0 defeat by Uruguay.

“Overall our performance leaves a bitter taste in the mouth as we dominated but it’s a good lesson for us,” said defender Kamal Miller.

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But midfielder Stephen Eustaquio opted for the positive.

“We were able to control the game against a very good team for about 70-75 minutes and had chances. I think we could have taken those chances on a normal day or in a World Cup qualifier.

These comments need to be patient to receive them. After an hour’s wait for a press conference with coach John Herdman, it was implied it wouldn’t work and the session adjourned without further explanation. We had to beg for audio clips via email, which is very unfortunate for Canada Soccer.

“Don’t walk over our bodies”

While Miller looked disappointed, he still agreed that despite a difference in quality between the two groups, the Canadians hadn’t been unworthy.

“We’ve proved that a team like Uruguay can’t pass us, that we can compete with world-class players and that shows our character.”

The CF Montreal defender believes this is the kind of test that will become increasingly common for him and his compatriots.

“You have to know that as you progress, it gets harder and harder, and we have to understand that every little mistake can be expensive.”

Canada got defensive in the games that resulted in the Uruguayan goals. That’s perhaps exactly what separates the two teams.

“We have to remember that we have to be precise in the last third, we have to play clean defensively and not give the opponent too many chances,” said Miller.

“It’s a question of quality, they don’t need that many chances,” added Eustaquio.