CANADA MAKES NOISE IN WORLD CUP OPENER

By: Braedyn Wozniak, RP Show Intern

The Canadian Men’s National team didn’t get the result they wanted Wednesday, falling 1-0 to world #2 Belgium Wednesday in their World Cup opener.

However that doesn’t mean they have failed in any way. In fact, they proved they belong, even in a group many felt would be challenging. 

Prior to the game, James Sharman, Head of Soccer Content at The Parleh, joined the Rod Pedersen Show before the game to tell viewers what he expected from Canada at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

“Just getting to Qatar, that was the job,” he said. “They accomplished it. This is all gravy at this point, there’s no pressure on these guys.” 

That was the consensus for Canada heading in. Few people had 42-ranked Canada coming out of a pool that featured second-ranked Belgium, 12-ranked Croatia and 22-ranked Morocco. 

“The expectation is just to play well. Yeah, you might not get out of your group, but you might get out of the group,” said Sharman.  

“I think they’ll play well, put some good performances in, and they’ll leave this World Cup having learned some huge lessons leading up to 2026.” 

After one day, the standings for their pool look as many predicted. Belgium is in first with their win, while Croatia and Morocco played to a draw, landing a point each in the standings. Canada is in last. 

But after Canada played Belgium so well, expectations have seemingly risen for Canada. After the game, team Manager John Herdman said that they “showed tonight that they do belong here.” 

Herdman has this team playing with a ton of pride and determination, and has now raised the potential ceiling for this group. If they can outplay Belgium, maybe they can get out of the group stage. 

Canada outshot Belgium 22-9, but each only managed three shots on target. The game was largely controlled by Canada, and anyone watching might have thought they were the favourite. 

It took a brilliant save by Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois on Canada’s star player Alphonso Davies ten minutes in and a beautiful Belgium goal on an outstanding effort before the first half closed to decide the game. 

“Wow,” said Belgian goal-scorer Michy Batshuayi to TSN’s Matthew Scianitti after the win. “Canada is a very good team. They played very good and we are lucky to win today.” 

Canada has clearly proven they can run with the big dogs at this tournament. Their defence was the question heading in, but they proved they can hang on that side of the ball. 

Outstanding defensive plays were made time and time again by guys like Richie Laryea and Sam Adekugbe, frustrating the Belgium offence. 

Once their offence inevitably starts kicking, whether it be nerves or the yips, Canadian soccer fans should be expecting more than a group stage exit. 

And it seems Herdman and his players think the same. This is no longer just about getting to the biggest stage; it’s now about showing out on it. 

“I told them we’re going to go and fuck Croatia,” said Herdman after the game to The Athletic’s Luke Brown. “It’s as simple as that.” 

(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio)

Photo: A.J. Jakubec