Selection: what did the coach of Canada say about the debut in the Copa América?

Selection: what did the coach of Canada say about the debut in the Copa América? :: Olé

06/19/2024 12:49 p.m.

This Thursday, in Atlanta, A new illusion will start for the Argentine National Team. But It will also be for Canada, which will make its presentation in the Copa América for the first time in history. On the eve of a special duel for both parties, Jesse Marsch and Alphonso Daviescoach and captain of the Reds, commented on how they prepared during the previous week and They dedicated words of praise to Lionel Messi, although they believe they have the formula to stop him.

Marsch, on Messi: “The key is always to be aware of where he is”

“We have boosted the mentality and the level of training because we know that is what we need for a tournament like this,” Marsch explained. In addition, he stressed the respect they have for the Argentine National Team, but clarified that they are in the United States to compete. “We have a high level of respect for the team, the quality of its players… we have prepared a lot individually”he detailed.

For Marsch, the confrontation against Argentina is an opportunity for the team to grow and demonstrate its potential, after showing that it has what it has to battle against teams like the United States and Mexico. “We don’t see this as how good Argentina is. We see it as an opportunity to grow, to be better and to show ourselves how good we can be”argued the DT.

Furthermore, on how he plans to face Lionel Messi, Marsch commented: “Messi is not only his quality, his hierarchy, but also his ability to move in the game, on the pitch… The key is always to be aware of where you are and make sure you are not in open spacesthat we can close spaces and try to make it difficult for them.”

As for Canada’s formation, it seems that they will maintain a similar one to the one they played against France in the last friendly. “If there are changes in the lineup, there won’t be many, because I think the group has already grown,” highlighted the North American coach. In that match, the starting eleven was: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; Larin, David.

“Messi is not only his quality, his hierarchy, but also his ability to move in the game, on the pitch,” declared Jesse Marsch. (Mati Arrascoyta – FTP CLARIN)

Alphonso Davies, a figure from both Canada and Bayern Munich, when asked about facing Argentina, acknowledged the difficulty of the match, but showed a positive attitude. “Argentina is the best team in the world. Playing against them is going to be a battle… Our mentality is strong. We will go out and play against the champions, and that is the motivation for us,” he stated.

Davies also expressed his pride in being the captain of the team: “Being captain of Canada is something you dream about when you are a child”, he stated before greeting former captain Atiba Hutchinson, who was present. Davies highlighted the importance of the leadership and inspiration that Hutchinson has provided to the team, noting that he will seek advice from him as he progresses in his role as captain.

Alphonso Davies, captain and figure of Canada. (Mati Arrascoyta – FTP CLARIN)

How does the Argentine National Team arrive at the debut of the Copa América?

Since the arrival of Lionel Scaloni, the National Team has won everything it has played: Copa América, Finalissima and World Cup. Not only were titles achieved, but a very high level of performance and play was found. Thus, The Albiceleste is the top candidate to win the trophy. Argentina has just won its last five games and, in addition, leads the standings of the South American Qualifiers.

The last five games of the Argentine National Team

11/21/23: Brazil 0-1 Argentina | Qualifiers
03/22/24: Argentina 3-0 El Salvador | Friendly
03/26/24: Argentina 3-1 Costa Rica | Friendly
06/09/24: Argentina 1-0 Ecuador | Friendly
06/14/24: Argentina 4-1 Guatemala | Friendly

Argentina’s 11, in the last friendly against Guatemala. (EFE)

How does Canada get into the match with Argentina?

The Canadians are a young team with great projection. They have players who stand out in European football, such as Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Jonathan David (Lille) and Cyle Larin (Mallorca). They were in Qatar 2022, this being their second participation in a World Cup. They were part of Group F, along with Morocco, Croatia and Belgium, where they could not score points. This will be his first Copa América.