It’s gameday: No. 30 CanMNT vs. No. 64 Bosnia and Herzegovina

The GIST: As mentioned, Canada’s men’s team has never won a WC game, but this could be the year everything changes. The odds were stacked against CanMNT in 2022, where they lost all three group-stage games, including two Ls to eventual semifinalists, Morocco and Croatia.

• Not only is Canada in an easier group this time around — they could outright win Group B. Manifest era, loading.

📋 So, how is CanMNT looking?: Les Rouges played two friendlies after confirming their WC roster, recording a 2–0 win over No. 50 Uzbekistan and a 1–1 draw with No. 58 Republic of Ireland. The boys are settling into head coach Jesse Marsch’s aggressive pace and corresponding team culture, though scoring in open play (aka, not off a corner kick or set piece) remains a weak spot.

😓 Unfortunately, we need to talk about the injury elephant in the room: Superstar defender Alphonso Davies, the best Canadian men’s soccer player of all time who scored the country’s first WC goal in 2022, is still dealing with a hamstring issue and will not take the pitch today.

• He’s sadly not alone in dealing with injuries: Defender Moise Bombito is managing soreness on a previously-broken leg, while winger Jayson Nelson was just named to the team on Tuesday to replace injured Marcelo Flores. The tide is high, but we’re holding on.

👀 Good thing soccer is a team sport — here are three CanMNT players we’re counting on:

• 🔴 Jonathan David | Striker: Canada’s all-time men’s leading scorer (39 goals) will need to be ultra-clutch in Davies’ absence.

• ⚪ Ismaël Koné | Midfielder: Remember the name: Koné is our pick for CanMNT’s breakout star of the tourney, so long as his clinical finish is on display.

• ⚫ Maxime Crépeau | Goalkeeper: It’s no surprise the veteran keeper earned the starting spot — he’s downright fearless and a phenomenal shot-stopper.

The GIST: Bosnia and Herzegovina shocked the world in March, nabbing one of the final WC spots by defeating then–No. 13 Italy, a legendary soccer nation that boasts four WC titles but hasn’t qualified for the tourney since 2014.

• Now, the Dragons are playing with house money, boasting a young, inexperienced squad with just enough pluck (and a former pro poker-playing head coach) to rattle the big dogs. Woof.

📋 Here’s what you need to know about Bosnia and Herzegovina: Much like Canada, the Dragons have never made it out of the group stage at a WC — in fact, this is only their second appearance after their debut in 2014.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina also boast the strange distinction of being the only team in the world to qualify for a WC, but not for their continent’s championship: They’ve never competed in the Euros.

👀 That said, here are three players who could give CanMNT some trouble:

• 🔵 Edin Džeko | Striker: As one of two players left from the 2014 squad, 40-year-old Džeko may be injured, but will be counted on to lead, especially since he’s still scoring bangers.

• ⚪ Kerim Alajbegović | Winger: Young, scrappy, and hungry, 18-year-old Alajbegović is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future, armed with impressive creativity and poise.

• 🟡 Tarik Muharemović | Center back: Someone has to hold down the back line and 6-foot-4 Muharemović is that guy, playing deep and sweeping away adversaries.

⬆️ Canada plays with a high press, meaning Les Rouges prefer to apply pressure in their opponent’s defensive third, forcing their competition to make mistakes as close to their own goal as possible.

• Ideally, CanMNT will push the ball forward down the sidelines, where players like winger Tajon Buchanan thrive.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina employ a similar style of play, pushing up through the sides of the field to cross balls into the box. TL;DR? Both teams will be spreading the pitch today.

🎉 In order to succeed, Canada can’t solely rely on dead ball plays, like corners, penalties, or free kicks. Goals need to be scored in transition, like Davies’ glorious golazo four years ago. It’s go time.