https://www.reddit.com/r/dataisbeautiful/comments/8pmzd7/population_distribution_in_canada_oc/ Just forget the yellow parts.
In a vaccuum -- of course you are right. But your teams are improving, and playing in the U17 World Cup is still 24 of the best teams in the world. And while NZ is smaller than Canada, most teams smaller than Canada are worse than Canada. At the World Cup, you face the best. I'm not saying Canada can't get better. I just see all these posts and it's always the apocalypse. Sometimes the other team is better, especially at this age where there's not nearly the correlation between U17 powers and National Team powers that people assume.
The tragedy is that Canada isn't sending their best. Unfortunately, we don't know who they are or where they are. Mainstream sport media are awakening to the fact that sending guys exclusively from the 3 MLS academies without properly scouting outside of those system is a recipe for disaster and we'll just keep repeating history unless the system is changed. Luckily, changes are coming at the U23 who promises drastic reforms. Hoping they implement the same changes to the U20 and U17 down the road
Netherlands beat Nigeria 3-1; looks like beating up on the hapless Yanks was just what the doctor ordered.
Japan vs Mexico is today. Japan is the only team yet to give up a goal this tournament, a testament to their organization. I've been really impressed with their coaching so far. Mexico definitely has a weaker squad than previous years, but is a reasonably tough matchup for Japan. I think Japan can win it on the back of Nishikawa and Wakatsuki. Joel Chima Fujita has been a rock in MF too and will be called upon to handle Efra. Senegal is the final remaining representative of Africa, and while I thought they were the best in the group stage they also have the toughest Ro16 opponent.
us soccer surely hoping that japan, netherlands, and senegal run roughshod over everyone they face so they can safely promote wicky
japan look like they have more creative ideas but cant execute them while mexico definitely KISS appraoch
efra looks dangerous for mexico, but japan consistently trying to break multiple lines, play in creative balls. its not coming off really, but they really have a lot of vision to go with the technique. come u20 be willing to bet these japans kids would destroy this same mexican side
Mexico has a 1-0 lead on Japan and they're fighting hard to keep it. Japan has been the more controlling side but are having trouble breaking through.
So 1 and 2 from USA’s group are out, but 3 is through. Mexico repping CONCACAF in the latter stages and compensating to some extent for the confed’s otherwise dreadful performance. Rough start for Mexico too, but look to have made it an okay tourney in the end.
From reports I read the Orange guys arenot yet at their EC title form in the win over Nigeria. But they seem to be progressing in form each match.
Mexico got the easiest knockout draw possible. The Asian teams are rarely as good as they're hyped up to be in these tournaments. Even the US got a point from Japan. Whoever Mexico plays next will be way better than Korea and Japan.
Yet Japan beat the 2 teams that handed your *ss. Say what you will about South Korea but spare me the BS that Japan was now shit after they gave one of the best games in the U17 World Cup against the Dutch.
Unfortunately, the US just didn't look like a good team. Fortunately, that really doesn't matter much at this level. I haven't seen a ton of games, but so far I haven't seen an attacking player better than Gio Reyna. Efra has been great for Mexico. You are lucky to have him. Congrats on a good tourney.
Spain scored first, then France ran off five straight goals. Spain 1-5 France @ 75' Edit: finished 1-6, final goal at 90+3'
Great those two had to kill each other off. Now Mexico or the Netherlands has a chance to get into the final. That was the game plan of the Orange youngsters. Suck in the group and make it barely through to get the most promising track to the Final. Now Mexico has to cooperate in that scheme
Mexico with a good game plan so far against the Hollandaise. Congesting the middle, finding space out wide on the break, cross to the back post. good match so far.