What a great start to the game today! We got creamed by a dominate Croatian team. They are very good. Able to pick us apart from the mid-field in and especially just outside the box. Seemed to be after early space in the wings, they were forcing us to the middle where we were not able to make plays, a little soft in the battles (we were playing CONCACAF looking for soft calls, everyone else was playing FIFA where you have to battle through) and lack of ball support imo.
We all knew coming in we were probably the weakest defending team in the tournament. That played out today. I don't know how much formation played into that, or lack of adjustments late in the first half. I will say, personnel selection didn't seem ideal, but hindsight is pretty clear most times. Not having Eustaquio made it clear to me how important he is.
Still a chance to accomplish the next step. With the first goal now in the bank, time to get a win in preparation for 2026.
I don't know how Canada Soccer can prioritize developing (centre) backs, but it should be a priority. Look at our roster... all but 6 players under 30! 15th youngest squad, and remove Atiba, Vitória and Milan and we might be closer to the youngest.