Canada embrace World Cup expectations ahead of Switzerland showdown | OneFootball

By Ben Steiner

VANCOUVER – When Jesse Marsch stepped into the Canadian men’s national team role in May 2024, he wanted to change the perception of soccer in the country.

Few knew what he’d bring to the CanMNT, a team that had only qualified for the Copa América through a last-chance playoff, and one that was at an inflection point after losing all three games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and with previous head coach, John Herdman, departing for Toronto FC. 

Marsch probably didn’t know what he was getting himself into, either, outside of taking over a player group he believed in. 

So on Tuesday, on the precipice of a must-not-lose World Cup match against Switzerland in Vancouver, he reflected on the moment (3 pm ET | TSN, RDS; FOX, Telemundo). 

This Canadian team earned their first World Cup point in a come-from-behind 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. And then captured their first World Cup victory in a historic 6-0 rout of Qatar. 

Now Les Rouges need a draw or a win against heavily favored Switzerland to secure the top spot in Group B. This path would keep the team in Canada through the Round of 16; any other result would see the co-hosts head to the United States for the knockout rounds.

“I feel like the worst way to get the draw is to play for a draw… we’re going to start this match with the mentality and the 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,” Marsch said as the team prepares to play in front of more than 53,000 fans on Wednesday. 

“I haven't had to convince these guys that this is where we should be. The internal expectation is clear, and we know about all the external energy around the team.”

Building confidence

For a team that's relied on their often-referred-to “brotherhood” since the last World Cup, finding an emotional edge to fill the void left by Ismaël Koné’s broken leg absence will be vital. 

At the same time, whoever steps into that spot will have to be up for the moment, prepared to take on the pressure, but also be a lynchpin to help a striker duo of Jonathan David and Cyle Larin maintain their form.

"People who followed the team for many years know that we've been through injuries like this, and good wins and tough losses that tied the group together," said Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who missed the 2022 World Cup after breaking his leg in the 2022 MLS Cup final with LAFC.

"Ismaël's injury is another example of that and how tight the group is and how connected we are."

While Koné and center back Alfie Jones won’t be available for the match, both center back Moïse Bombito and captain Alphonso Davies will be, with Marsch revealing that the skipper wouldn’t start, but would be expected to play. 

“It’s so much more than just what he brings on the pitch – it’s what he represents to us,” Marsch said of Davies, after adding Bombito is ready to go in the heart of defense.

“He looks great, he looks fit, he looks ready to go, and excited. So, let’s see how things go, but I expect him to play.”

A message from Steve Nash

Securing the top spot in Group B won’t be easy for Canada, as they'll need to neutralize the likes of Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo, supported by Granit Xhaka and Johan Manzambi. Still, they can rely on a defensive resolve that's earned them scoreless draws with France, Colombia, and other world powers under Marsch. 

That defensive focus will be crucial, and the group will have millions tuning in, including NBA legend and Vancouver Whitecaps FC co-owner Steve Nash, who sent a message to the group, speaking about the weight of the opportunity. 

“It was a thoughtful message,” Marsch said. “I want our team to understand exactly what their roles are, and understand what the match plan is, and why the match plan is important... but I want our players, especially our attacking players, to go out on the pitch and be themselves.”

Canada have already made plenty of history in this tournament. On Wednesday, they have a chance to keep the ride going on home soil, with the potential to put some of their current roster in the legendary lexicon alongside Nash – and to win not just for the country, but for their injured teammate.

O CANADA! From hockey country to World Cup contender?!