Canada suffered a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland at BC Place that was more frustrating than the score would indicate on Wednesday night. The loss was an unfortunate end to their hopes of home knockout games, despite still advancing to the Round of 32 for the first time in their history.

Switzerland took control after the break with goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi. Promise David pulled one back late for Canada, but it was not enough.

Recap

The first half was disjointed for Canada. Canada showed little interest in playing flowing football in the opening 30 minutes, instead they often seemed more focused on flopping to manipulate referee interactions. Tajon Buchanan was particularly theatrical in his attempts to win free kicks and bookings. The team began to show more urgency around the 34th minute once Ali Ahmed started pressing aggressively and was joined in the forecheck by Jonathan David in a burst that made Switzerland briefly bottled in their own zone.

Canada created some quality chances, but their shooting was often poor and rarely threatening. Switzerland looked more dangerous after the break and punished Canada’s defensive lapses, as there were problems with the centre-backs on both goals. Ruben Vargas opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the second half, before Johan Manzambi made it 2-0 in the 57th minute after more poor positioning from the Canadian back line.

Jesse Marsch made changes, and Canada improved. Promise David came off the bench and scored in the 76th minute on a beautiful one timer, extending to bury the cross from Nathan Saliba.

Key Takeaways

1. Canada spent the first 30 minutes referee hunting instead of playing football

For long periods in the first half, Canada looked more focused on winning free kicks and complaining to the referee than actually playing the game. Tajon Buchanan stood out with his theatrical behaviour, as did Richie Laryea. It was a stark contrast from how Buchanan and Laryea have shown in the past their ability to play with such intense fire, strength, and grit, to instead focus on flopping to try to manipulate the official.

That is not a demonstration of what we have come to love about the brand Canada football that has been building up since qualifying for the CONCACAF octagonal World Cup qualifying phase ahead of 2022’s tournament.

2. Poorly taken shots killed Canada’s momentum

Canada created opportunities, but the quality of its finishing was often low. Shots lacked the necessary power to have a chance to be lethal, and others were taken from awkward positions. Canada had 1.66 expected goals to Switzerland’s 1.12.

3. Defensive lapses were punished ruthlessly after halftime

Both of Switzerland’s goals came from basic errors in positioning and communication. The centre-backs were not in sync on both goals.

4. Disappointing Moment for Maxime Crepeau

The 2nd goal exemplified terrible defending from the left side and centre backs on that particular play. The shot was low and close to Crepeau’s body, and he was unable to get enough of it to make the save, which is one that was expected of him to make. 

5. Late changes and fightback offer some encouragement

Canada looked much better after Jesse Marsch made his substitutions, and Canada seemed to control both the 2nd and 4th quarters of the game, after each of the first and 2nd halves resumed after the hydration break. Promise David’s goal was well taken, and the team created several dangerous moments in the final 15 minutes. While it came too late to change the result, it gave a glimpse of what the team can do when they play with more urgency.

6. Loss of home advantage is a major blow

By finishing second in the group, Canada has lost the chance to play their Round of 32 and potentially Round of 16 matches in Vancouver. Canada was, for a 12-day period, the only host nation to be undefeated at home in a World Cup. Had Canada been able to draw against Switzerland and won 2 knockout rounds, they could have held onto that as a very cool feather in their cap.

7. Canada’s Goal Highlights the Young Talent, Indicating a Bright Future

Canada’s goal started in the back on a long ball from centre back Luc De Fougerolles, far to the right flank to Nathan Saliba, who received the ball well before delivering an excellent cross to Promise David, who showed good finishing quality, striking the ball out of the air into the goal. This was Canada’s best play and demonstrated the talented youth on Canada’s roster.

De Fougerolles has had an excellent World Cup despite a poor performance on one of the goals against Switzerland. He has been Canada’s best centre back despite not initially being an expected starter and is only 20 years old. Nathan Saliba was Canada’s highest-rated player in the match against Switzerland at age 22, getting his first World Cup start in place of injured Ismael Kone. Promise David collected his first World Cup goal despite playing only limited minutes in 2 matches at the age of 24.

Closing

This was a disappointing and costly night for Canada. The combination of a slow, negative start and poor finishing proved too much to overcome. While reaching the knockout stage for the first time is a historic achievement, the team will need to show much more focus and clinical quality if they want to make a deep run in the tournament.

Tajon Buchanan and Richie Laryea need to get back to playing with power and grit, and abandon the flopping that made Canada look weak against Switzerland, and lessen the psychological intimidation factor Canada can bring to opponents with their pace, power, and grit.