It was two hours after the game, only Canadian journalists were left in the mixed zone and the last Canadian players were waiting.

We were told they would be spending time with their families on the sidelines at Al Thumama Stadium. One last chance to enjoy the experience before heading home.

In theory, players have to go to the mixed zone after the game or on the way to the team bus.

Samuel Piette is one of the few Canadians who isn’t in this room where many journalists are waiting to speak to players from both teams.

He texts us that he is sorry and hopes we understand him. He needn’t worry, the Quebec media present in Doha understood very well why the midfielder didn’t want to undergo the exercise.

ignored

Despite making more than 60 starts with the national team since 2012 and being part of the team’s World Cup qualifiers, he has not played a single minute in any of the team’s three games.

Obviously, this isn’t a game between friends in the park, but for his record, Piette deserves to have even a few minutes to live in the moment. After all, he certainly couldn’t have done worse than Mark-Anthony Kaye, who replaced Stephen Eustaquio on Thursday night.

The pace of the meeting probably didn’t appeal to the 26-year-old from Quebec. The goal late in the first half that closed the deficit to 2-1 gave Canada hope of at least a point and John Herdman’s substitutions were offensive.

When David Wotherspoon came on for Junior Hoilett in the 76th minute, Piette knew he wasn’t going to play. It was Herdman’s last move.

During the pre-match press conference, the use of reserves in this final game was discussed. John Herdman had mentioned that he had a difficult conversation with a longtime veteran. One has to wonder if he was referring to Piette.

Dear player

Piette is a warrior who relentlessly wets his jersey when sent into battle. CF Montreal fans know that well.

Without a doubt, he’s a player popular with his Montreal teammates. After all, he is co-captain of the team.

But he’s also in good hands with his teammates at the Reds. Steven Vitoria was quick to speak out about him after the game.

“Sam is a special player for this group. He is still young and has a bright future ahead of him. I’m proud to have him with us.”

Not disappointed

Two more of CF Montreal’s six players did not touch the field, defender Joel Waterman and goalkeeper James Pantemis.

The former was there mainly for experience and as a backup in training, while the latter knew what to expect when he was called up to replace Maxime Crépeau who broke his leg in the Cup final.

“I knew my role and I’m just really happy to be in the band,” said Pantemis. For me a dream comes true. I would even say that 10 years ago I didn’t believe it was a possible dream.

He took the opportunity to gain experience and be inspired by the best.

“I watch goalkeepers like Thibaut Courtois [de la Belgique], we’re on the same pitch and have post-match talks with them. I’m trying to learn as much as possible from these top-level goalkeepers.

Pantemis will now return to Montreal, where he is expected to spend next season, although CF Montreal have not exercised the option on his contract before the start of the World Cup.

“I’m still in talks with Montreal and I think it will be settled by the end of the year. I would like to stay in Montreal and we have good talks, I’m optimistic.