Canada will face Switzerland on home soil in their final Group match at BC Place in Vancouver, fresh off a historic 6-0 thrashing of Qatar, Canada’s first-ever World Cup victory. Canada now sits atop the group with goal differential being the tiebreaker over Switzerland. Switzerland also has four points after a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The stakes are extremely high. A win or draw locks Canada into first place and guarantees home games in Vancouver for the Round of 32 and, if they advance to the Round of 16. A Canadian loss would send them to Los Angeles for their Round of 32 match with no home World Cup games.
Canada cannot afford to play for a draw. Settling into a conservative, “don’t lose” mindset against a dangerous and experienced Swiss side will likely backfire. They must go out and play to win.
“I think all of us as players and coaches have been in similar situations like this where a draw is enough. But I feel like the worst way to get the draw is to play for a draw. I think you have to go into the match and play for a win.” Stated Canada’s Head Coach Jesse Marsch on Tuesday ahead of the match against Switzerland. “And then in the later stages of the match you can use your substitutes, and you can use tactics to now manage what you need out of the match.”
“We are going to start this match, going into it, with the mentality and tactics to win. We’re not going to be overly conservative. We’re not going to be overly aggressive. We’re going to be us.”
This is a must-win game for Canada. Lose, and you likely play South Korea in Los Angeles. Win, and you have an easier schedule with 2 possible knockout-round home games.
Previous CANMNT article: Nathan Saliba Ready For a Bigger Role Following Ismaël Koné Injury, 6 Other Takeaways from Canada’s Historic 6-0 Win
Game Details:
Date/Location: Wednesday, June 24/ BC Place, Vancouver, BC
Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT
Channel: TSN (Canada), Fox/Fox One (USA), ITV (UK)
Odds (If you place bets, please do so responsibly in moderation):
Spread: Canada -1.5 (+120), Switzerland +1.5 (-150)
Moneyline: Canada +240, Switzerland +135, Draw +210
Over/Under: 2.5 (Over +105, Under -130)
Reflection on Qatar: What Canada Must Carry Forward
Canada produced a dominant victory on the world stage, trouncing Qatar in ways beyond the final score. Canada monopolized possession at 79%, had over 32 shots, 10 on target, and had the ball in Qatar’s final third for what felt like the majority of the match.
Jonathan David’s hat-trick and Nathan Saliba’s brilliant free-kick goal highlighted the 6-goal offensive outburst.
However, there is still room to improve. Canada earned one of the highest amounts of corners ever in a World Cup game at 19 but created relatively few high-quality chances from them. Delivery and attacking shape on set pieces need sharpening. The team also showed a tendency at times to rush low-percentage shots or crosses in the final third. Against a more organized and dangerous opponent like Switzerland, those habits must be corrected.
What to Expect from Switzerland
Switzerland are well organized, experienced, and dangerous on the counter. They drew Qatar 1-1 in their first game and defeated Bosnia 4-1 in their second, and have only given up goals in stoppage time. They controlled 68% of possession against Qatar and 62% against Bosnia.
Expect Switzerland to sit compact and organized, and look to spring quick transitions through pacey attackers or set-piece threats. They will be motivated to snatch top spot themselves and will punish any complacency or defensive lapses from Canada.
Keys to the Game for Canada
Play to win
This is the biggest message. Canada must play with some offensive aggression, use the electric home atmosphere at BC Place, and take the game to Switzerland. Playing not to lose could invite pressure and allow the Swiss to grow into the match.
Exploit width and pace in transition
Switzerland will likely sit narrow. Canada should stretch the pitch and use their speed on the flanks. Canada saw good offensive play down the flanks and in the final third from all of their starting players on their flanks: Richie Laryea (left back), Ali Ahmed (left wing), Alistair Johnston (right back), and Tajon Buchanan (right wing). And this has thus far been without one of the best left backs in the world in Alphonso Davies.
Be clinical in the opponent’s 18-yard box
The ruthlessness shown against Qatar must continue, but Canada will need to avoid forced low-percentage efforts. Trust the simple options.
Improve set-piece threat
With 19 corners against Qatar but limited clear danger from it, there is room for improvement in this regard. Sometimes in this tournament, the attacking shape would not have a Canadian behind the back posts, thus presenting simpler scenarios to defend against. Other times the delivery left some quality to be desired. Many corners were taken as short passes, which has not seemed as dangerous.
Players to Watch
Canada
10 Striker Jonathan David
Jonathan David is coming off a hat trick against Qatar, becoming the first Canadian to ever score a hat trick in the World Cup.
9 Striker Cyle Larin
Larin has scored in each of the opening 2 World Cup matches. He scored the game-tying goal in the first game in the 78th minute after subbing on in the 76th minute.
4 Centre-back Luc De Fougerolles
De Fougerolles has been impressive in Canada’s end defending and has made some strong plays delivering the ball upfield. He has been Canada’s best centre-back over 2 games this tournament despite not having been expected to start prior to Moise Bombito having to miss the first game to injury and much of the 2nd.
22 Left-back Richie Laryea
Laryea has been excellent driving the flanks with pace and choosing smart times to rotate into the final third. On defense, he has been of equally high caliber. He consistently brings a high level of compete and grit that embodies the spirit of what it is to be Canadian through his on-field presence.
16 GK Maxime Crepeau
Crepeau is a quality goalkeeper who Canada missed last World Cup due to injury. Canada needs Crepeau to be a world-class keeper moving forward in this tournament, and I believe he can deliver what they will need from him.
19 Left Back Alphonso Davies
Expect to also see Alphonso Davies, whom Coach Marsch said that “I would like to get him into the match for sure.”
Switzerland
10 Midfielder Granit Xhaka
Xhaka had by far the most touches in Switzerland’s most recent win over Bosnia with 115 and had 80 in the draw prior against Qatar and has completed over 94% of his passes in each game. The center midfielder has been a focal point for the Swiss this tournament.
The experienced leader and heartbeat of the team. Excellent passer and organizer.
9 Striker Johan Manzambi
Manzambi scored twice in the last game against Bosnia despite coming off the bench in the 71st minute.
7 Striker Breel Embolo
Physical presence who scored the lone goal in the draw against Qatar.
GK/Defensive unit — Well-organized back line that has shown resilience.
5 Centre-back Akanji
Akanji won 7 of his 9 duels in the last game, won 3 tackles, and had 2 interceptions.
1 GK Gregor Kobel
The Dortmund keeper has made 5 saves while conceding 2 goals.
Prediction
Canada 3-1 Switzerland.
Canada should have enough quality, home support, and attacking momentum to surprise a high-quality opponent.
Canada have shown they can dominate when they play with pace and composure, even stretching against high-quality opponents. If Canada comes out and plays with pace and hunger in how they press and attack, then I expect Canada to win at home 3-1 with Crepeau making some big saves.
If Canada comes out and is not playing with pace and aggression and adopts a turtle shell style of play, I expect them to lose to the 17th-ranked team that is Switzerland.
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