Things did not go as planned on Tuesday as John Herdman and Atiba Hutchinson arrived at the media center a good 40 minutes late for their scheduled press conference.

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Anger was also evident in the tense face of the Canadian coach, who wanted to make everything perfect on the eve of this confrontation against Belgium, the first World Cup game for the Maple Leaf in 36 years.

Herdman is known for being very strict about everything that affects his team; This delay clearly pissed him off. The Canadians were apparently stuck in Doha traffic. At least that’s the official explanation.

“Getting there was a bit complicated, but we’re making sure internally that it doesn’t happen again,” confirmed Herdman, gnashing his teeth.

The coach quietly relaxed and ended up smiling again, especially as he spoke about what being in Qatar meant for him.

“It’s a dream come true for me, the players and the country. We are playing in a World Cup for the first time in 36 years.

“We imagine people at home in front of their TV or full bars to give us courage. »

The English native also admitted it has taken him a long time to see himself in the position.

“When I was working at Sunderland Academy I never thought I would ever be here. We pinch each other and it’s getting more real by the hour. »

“A certain naivety”

Canadian players therefore have the impression of dreaming. In theory, that should be a concern, but that’s not what Herdman thinks.

At the same time he praised the high quality of Belgium, who ranked second in the FIFA world rankings.

“They can be blinded by Belgium’s attack because there is a lot of quality. It’s a team that has grown over the last six or seven years.

” She [les Belges] will adapt faster than us, but we have a certain naivety that can benefit us because everything is new and we are not afraid. »

It is also the hallmark of this formation, which, despite impeccable work ethic, crossed the CONCACAF qualification with a certain nonchalance. This is the sign of a young and confident team.

respect

Belgian coach Roberto Martinez rightly noted all the qualities of the Canadian formation and enthusiastically spoke about them.

“I have a lot of respect for what Canada did as they finished at the top of their group ahead of the United States and Mexico. That means Canada have a very good team, it’s a very special generation.

“Looks like a very solid and dynamic team that knows its strengths and is very fast. »

The Spaniard drew a parallel with his side’s first game at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, a 3-0 win over Panama in a tie that was more complicated than the result would suggest.

“It was a team that had never played in the World Cup, the Panamanian players played freely, they were not afraid and for 50 minutes it was difficult to find the fault. »

Alphonso Davies will be there

There have been concerns about the condition of Alphonso Davies, who injured his thigh, but all indications are that he will take up his post today, although Herdman has beat around the bush a bit.

“I believe that positivism always helps to heal wounds faster.

“He was very clear he wanted to play. The staff helps him. He put the throttle all the way down and he got there.

“His enthusiasm can influence me, but you always have to follow medical advice because the player’s safety is more important.

“You have to ask yourself about the risks, but he says he’s ready, he flies onto the pitch and we’re in a position where we can tell ourselves we can put our best team on the pitch. The dark clouds are gone. »

Eustaquio and Borjan

That last little move also suggests that midfielder Stephen Eustaquio, who had complained of stiffness in training, will be at the post and goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who is plagued with stomach pains, will be between the posts.

A big test for everyone

This first game between Canada and Belgium will not be easy for the maple leaf players.

After all, this is a duel between the world’s second and 41st nation in the FIFA ranking.

Anyway, John Herdman wants his side to take the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and gain experience for the next games against Croatia and Morocco.

“I want the players to have fun, but the competition against Belgium will be a big test for everyone, including the staff. We don’t have much to lose, it’s just a chance for everyone. »

No complexes

It’s safe to say Canada have prepared well for this game after beating Japan in a friendly last week.

The Canadians defeated the Japanese 2-1 in Dubai. Japan is ranked 24th in the world.

“Regardless of the game against Japan, we believe in what we can achieve because we have a good team and good players,” said captain Atiba Hutchinson.

“It was just another step in our preparation and we know we can play against the best teams in the world. »

He was 3 years old

Hutchinson may be 39 years old, but he was only 3 when Canada last played at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.

Therefore, it was not there that he began to dream of playing on the largest stage in the world.

It wasn’t until a few years later that he got the error.

“I think I realized in 1994 how big the cup was. I was visiting a friend in Brazil and she [les Brésiliens] has won. That aroused my great interest. »