Well this game makes me very, very nervous. A one-off for the World Cup. Sure we have a second chance, but I want it now. I might be alone, but I thought the Ticas game was our best defensively, in the midfield and in goal. Our finishing was off, but part of that was some dodgy officiating, an off-night from some players and the fact that chances kept falling to Chapman, Neil and Burtini (who I thought was a little off) and less to Hooper and Sinclair. We need solid finishing to win, because I don't think Mexico will be easy to beat. I'm not sure that the gap hasn't closed since 1998 and we only beat them 1-0 at home in the game for all the marbles. Where have you gone Liz Smith? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you. cheers, hobbes
I agree completly. I was most satisfied with Neil in the mid, she brought the presence that had been lacking in previous games. I'm not too sure you can call our finishing 'off'. We sent alot at their keeper, and granted, their keeper had alot of good safes. I believe we have to work on sending it where the keeper is NOT. I also think we need to incorperate Sinclair more in scoring. She was doing alot of the play making and whatnot, but if the other players aren't putting the ball in back of the net, IMO we have to get oour best finisher (sinclair) the ball in a place where she can finish.
Probably saw it on the front page of BS - where you have no idea what forum the thread is in. But yes, there is a women's international game as well!
true...BUT, i also think canada has progressed sooooo much in the last 4 years that we are a totally different team than the one that won 1-0 vs. mexico last time around... but that being said, this game vs. mexico should be good one, and if everything falls into place, we'll come out with the win and the berth to the wwc... elaine
Maybe I just worry too much naturally. I was stunned in 98 that we struggled like that. If you look at Mexico's current team compared to 98 and there is a lot of pros, a lot of US college experience. They've made a lot of progress. So have we and we should be aiming for the World Cup semifinals, but in a one-off game for the World Cup, I'm going to be very, very nervous no matter who we're playing. I very much want an early goal. I wrote before reading Jonesy's article: "Plus all this talk about the US and the final worries me, I'm sure the women have their heads on straight for the semi, but Sportsnet is annoying me, because frankly Wednesday is the money game, the final is for bragging rights - and only until China in any event." I feel a lot better about things after reading that article. I'm glad this game is being put in its proper perspective. I knew they'd be focused and I hope the women are ready and not nervous. I'm sure they'll give em the business. I agree about Neil helping the midfield. Does anyone else think having her in the middle made Nonen more confident to pick off balls and make runs forward? I really have no idea who our first choice 11 is right now if everyone is healthy. Anyone feel like guessing? --------------LeBlanc -----Boyd----Nonen----Hermus?--- Lang-----Neil-------Walsh------Morneau --------------Sinclair------- ---------Hooper------Burtini----- Chapman and Muscato are very, very close to being starters if they aren’t already. It’s tough to leave Lang off the field though. I’m almost tempted to have Kiss in Sinclair’s spot and put Sincy up front with Hooper and make Burtini a super sub. What are our other options at left fullback? I like Hermus, but I think we could do better. How is Morneau back there? She looked good in a 4-4-2 in the back. I like Andrews, but I’m not sure she’s ready. Rustad's an option as well. I think Neil and Walsh are important as d-mids esp if we use players like Lang and Burtini as wingbacks, having that aggressive kind of play in the middle of the park, gives more freedom to the front five players to get forward. So basically I would go with: -------------------LeBlanc -----------Boyd----Nonen----Hermus--- Chapman-----Neil-------Walsh------Burtini -------------------Sinclair------- ------------Lang---------Hooper------- for Wednesday. I hate games that start around midnight, I spend all day getting nervous, which is no fun. cheers, hobbes P.S. I wonder how many men and women's players I could name if I actually tried. I'm sure it would be pretty sad and I know there would be others here who would absolutely put me to shame. Only five?
hobbes- i like your point, especially in terms of lineups...and for the most part i agree with them in whole... izzy has been the team's left back in a 4-4-2 for the past years...she was only recently moved up to left flank in a 3-5-2. i always felt that the left back (if the team plays 4-4-2) was cemented for izzy, and hopefully once she gets back she'll be able to get that spot back. your starting 11 for tonight looks good...however, i doubt that walsh will be starting, but i would love to see her out there though!! can't wait tonight! elaine
Canada's Formation This may not be the shooting gallery that the Costa Rica game was….regardless of how well Mexico plays. Expect Canada to go to a more defensive formation. Don’t want to risk early goal. Also hear Pellerud is taking no chances with Mexico’s speed down the right flank…will move defenders accordingly. If the game looks well in hand by half time, Even might go to a more offensive formation but then again why take any unnecessary risks…..too much at stake. Will be interesting to see how Costa Rica stands up to the USA attack and how the two semi's play out. Might provide some food for thought re: the relative strngths of Canada and the USA.
Izzy needs to be somewhere on the left once she's healthy, but I'm not sure where. I guess I just want to see more of Hermus and see her get a test. I am hoping for a defensive style lineup just because I'd rather play safe rather than fall behind or something. So Walsh and Neil would be my preference. I think we should be able to generate enough offence with Burtini, Hooper, Lang and Sinclair. Seven more hours until kickoff. cheers, hobbes
team canada I can't believe it!! My school gets to meet Lang and company when she gets back cuz I live in her home town!!
omg the kick off between usa and costa rica is in 12 minutes turn on ur tv to rodgers sports net (channel 53 i think)
soccer_sensation7: first off, welcome to the canada thread hope you continue to post. secondly, the canada vs. mexico game will be on sportsnet @ 12:30am tonight (ET time zone). i'm gonna go sleep now and wake up at midnight for the game...then catch the game and go back to bed...i already told my bball coach that he might not see me at 6am practice tomorrow before school lol can't wait! it's gonna be a good game! whoo hoo!!! elaine
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 07 / SPORTSNET ONTARIO TIME PROGRAM TITLE Midnight sportsnetnews 00:30 a.m. Team Canada Soccer: Semi-Final: Canada vs. Mexico 02:30 a.m. sportsnetnews
Anyone want a pbp?! Its kind of late here in cowlumbus, but I'm kind of wired so I'll be up for awhile. But I probably won't make much sense either.
Looks to be a very passionate crowd in Safeco...much moreso than the first match of the evening. Canada in all red going left to right. Mexico in all white going right to left. Sorry I missed the lineups. I know Gerardo is starting for Mexico. Leblanc in goal for Canada. And we're off!
3rd minute...Maribel D. crosses in from far side of the 18...cleared out... DIRTY CANADIANS!!!! Leblanc KICKS Maribel D. at the top of the 18. NO CALL!!!! Maribel D. is still down..she is now up!