Group B's General Discussion Thread

Davies confirmed out for first game and based on the quotes I'd say its a coin flip that he even plays at all.

 

Good podcast for total soccer show on Julen Lopetegui

 

Humidex for next Friday currently sitting at 100 - going to be a battle of attrition.

 

Not good. He's "only" a top LB for Bayern, but he's a lot more than that for Canada.

 

Tbh like I said earlier Canada is used to not depending on Davies. He's always injured.

They play Bosnia and Qatar first. Honestly they dont need Davies to beat those teams.

I'd just save him for Switzerland. Perhaps bring him on late if they can't get the job in either of the first 2 matches. No point in rushing him if hes not ready.

 

I'm not sure what you mean, "they don't depend on Davies". If you mean to reach the round of 32 and look respectable against C'CAF teams, I agree. But to get something against the Swiss and/or advance past round of 32, they absolutely depend on him IMO. Their second-best FB is Johnston.

 

Yeah that's pretty much what I mean.

I mean they have pulled off draws against CIV, Ecuador, Colombia, and beaten Ukraine, Wales and Romania all without Davies.

But yeah if they want to actually do something in this tournament other than progressing from a weak group, they will need him.

 

Pretty much worst case scenario there. Would consider Bombito as Canada's second most important player just behind Eustaquio.

Going to have a 20 year old, 5'11 CB starting against the Bosnia aerial threats now.

 

Bosnia-Herzegovina: Ever since Barbarez took over as coach in 2024 at the start of this qualification cycle; Bosnia has improved, found identity, and tactical rythemn. Kolasinac and Dzeko are their best players, and many others are decent. Generally very good at crosses into the box.

Canada: This team has had a good structure, identity, and players since the last World Cup. Marsch has maintained the team’s identity since taken over. Best players are Davies, David, and Buchanan; although there are concerns about the fitness of Davies. Home advantage as well.

Qatar: One of the weakest teams in the whole World Cup. Don’t expect much from them.

Switzerland: This is seriously an underrated team. While they might not be the most talented team in the world, they do have a lot of great talent like: Akanji, Freuler, Xhaka, Embolo, Kobel, and Rodriguez. This team also has a great coach in Yakin, amazing chemistry; and are historically one of the most reliable and trusted teams in the world. At least Top 15. I don’t remember a single time where Switzerland failed to meet expectations in any major tournament; in fact they usually exceed expectations.

I can confidently say that Switzerland wins this group, and Qatar gets last place.

The real toss-up is Canada vs Bosnia, and honestly it’s extremely close. Canada’s top players are better than Bosnia’s, but the average players below the top 3, favor Bosnia in terms of talent. Both have good coaching but play differently. Expect this opening match to be very physical, and we might see a lot of cards.

Overall, given the schedule and Switzerland being Canada’s last game, as well as having home advantage, I think Canada just edges it. However, my concern is that if Canada gets a red card, which they have a reputation for; this will swing it heavily in Bosnia’s favor and could be trouble for Canada. Canada really must stay disciplined, and if they can do that, I think Canada gets second and Bosnia third; but they both advance with best third place, with Switzerland topping the group.

Final Predictions:
1. Switzerland
2. Canada
3. Bosnia-Herzegovina
4. Qatar

 

Canada is overrated. This team is not much better than the 2022 team. Decent players, and now they have world cup experience, but again too inexperienced as a footballing nation to achieve at the world cup, even with home advantage I think. For example most people think Canada will beat Bosnia but I don't think so. I think Canada will finish 3rd above Qatar.

 

I agree Canada is overrated and I’d call them very similar to 2022 team. However don’t forget their group was extremely tough in 2022 with Croatia and Morocco both finishing 3rd and 4th place. Arguably toughest group in the whole World Cup with Belgium as well.

As for Bosnia, they’re improving but they aren’t that strong either. I expect a draw with Canada maybe having an advantage because they play Switzerland last to secure 2nd place.

 

Terrible injury news for Canada. Losing Bombito and Flores and possibly Davies is a huge blow.

The Swiss are the clear class ofcthe group, if they were not before.

BH should not be underestimated, they deservedly beat Italy.

But like Group A with South Africa, I think Qatar's presence makes this a Group of Life. Canada are through along with BH, even in their depleted state. Though Qarar can sneak a goal.

At full strength, I think they couod have made a nice run, like at Copa..Though SF is a bridge too far. But QF/16s not unthinkable. Probably out at 32s now.

 

I agree with the comparison with 2022,but get the sense you're saying it with the implication that they we no good in 2022. I think the scorelines were harsh on them in Qatar. Should've easily won that first match against Belgium. And it was a killer group.

That said, I think they finish third in this group given injuries, but today's match is obviously the biggest one.

 

Bosnia is going to try their best to make this a boxing match and not a beauty contest.
I expect a lot of physicality and grit.

 

I'm expecting it to be a fun match - and the Canadian crowd to be very vocal.

 

They're having another opening ceremony?

 

Alanis Morissette . . . lip-synching. almost great

 

Lukic scored!

 

Bosnia enterprising actually.

Fully deserve the lead!

 

Bosnia are sitting back, pressing up to the half way line and kind of parking the bus and looking for the opportunities on the counter. Canada is having way more possession and trying to find the equalizer.

Honestly I’m not seeing any serious signs of the Bosnian defense being able to be broken down by Canada. Canada shouldn’t cross too much because the Bosnian defense is very good in the air and defending set pieces, it hasn’t produced danger.

What Canada needs to do more of is switch play, making through balls on the ground, and try to move the ball on the ground while pressing Bosnia around the penalty box. Those are the areas where I see liabilities and ableness for the Canadians to hurt Bosnia.

I honestly don’t expect to see many changes in the second half. That being said, I sense Canada will find a way to score late in the second half, perhaps from winning a penalty at some point.

 

I expected Bosnia to be a tough team. It's better than I expected.

 

Canada bounced back.