Canadian player class: Jonathan David, Milan Borjan stand out in World Cup qualifying victory over USA
Up and down the lineup, the Canadian men’s team players produced memorable performances as the hosts produced a stellar 90 minutes on their way to a famous 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over the United States. States in Hamilton, Ontario.
Canada confirmed its game plan and absorbed the pressure brilliantly, with a solid defense and dizzying counter-attacks. The USMNT had no answer for Canada’s structure, and when the home team broke on the counter-attack, the US defenders were unprepared for speed and accuracy.
Despite only holding the ball 36%, which is exactly what head coach John Herdman wanted, Canada still produced 4 shots on target, surpassing 3 produced by the US. From stellar saves to superior defenses and sharp counter-attacks, the Canadian side got on and off the pitch better and more comfortably throughout the game.
THAN: How Canada beat the US in the historic qualifying round
Here’s a rundown of each Canadian player’s performance in the historic win over the United States (highlights below):
Canadian player ratings compared to US
GK Milan Borjan: 8
Goalkeepers were judged by a few key moments, and nothing was greater for Canada than his incredible save from Weston McKennie’s header just before halftime. If that effort finds the back of the net, the narrative of this match is completely different.
But that’s not all of Borjan’s contributions. Playing mostly with long balls other than teeing off as Canada opted for the Line 1 approach, Borjan connected 14 of his 32 long balls, a fantastic number as Canada dominated the game so well. direct. Memorable performance of Canada’s No. 1 interceptor.
DF Sam Adekugbe: 7
The 2-0 winner was Adekugbe’s standout moment, but Adekugbe was another standout player for Canada. He has won 5 of 7 ground duels, 4 of 6 air duels, and is a powerful monster on the flanks, including dangerous offensive talents in Sergino. Dest and Brenden Aaronson.
Dest completed just two dribbles, Aaronson only three, and the pair lost possession on aggregate 29 times over the course of the game, an acceptable distance for Canada, which absorbed the pressure of the entire game. Adekugbe defended well, but his 21 losses would detract from the overall performance.
THAN: Update CONCACAF standings, schedule and results
DF Kamal Miller: 7
The centre-backs were not the stars of the show for Canada, but Kamal Miller provided a steady presence at the back for the hosts. His 25/32 pass accuracy isn’t too fussy, just 78%, but given the way Canada played out of possession for most of the night and with very few build-up moments, it was a feat. very good performance.
In fact, of the Canadian defenders, Miller’s pass is by far the best – Adekugbe overtook him with 27 successful distributions, but only succeeded at 64%. Miller thus gave the counter-attackers the calmest presence on the ball.
DF Steven Victoria: 6
In a memorable result, Vitoria was one of the weaker links, but his overall performance contributed to a hugely successful night. His yellow card was for a tactical foul on Christian Pulisic in the 31st minute to prevent a counterattack, and some US fans suggested he should be sent off for obstructing Gyasi Zardes in the second half. .
He made only 12 successful passes, and had only one tackle and no interception. Overall Vitoria contributed, but wasn’t the one to jump off the page. He won’t care after a memorable result.
DF Alistair Johnston: 8
What a standout performance from Wake Forest’s past. In a colossal effort, Johnston commanded the flanks and dominated the area. He was successful in all 4 tackles and 3 out of 4 duels in the air, in addition he contributed 4 interceptions and 4 clearances. He lost possession only 12 times, almost half as much as Adekugbe on the other flank. With dangerous Christian Pulisic at work on his side of the field, Johnston is a brick wall, contributing to yet another foul-mouthed Captain America.
The special moment came when he blocked a dangerous Brenden Aaronson move in the box that could have been a dangerous 1-on-1 opportunity late in the game, bringing his foot out just in time to knock the attacker out. America and end the threat. .
MF Mark-Anthony Kaye: 5
Kaye isn’t one of the best Canadian players on the pitch, but he doesn’t have to be. America seems to be afraid of building the middle, instead pushing everything out. That left very little for Kaye, and he stood tall for a few moments of being called in. His total of 18/25 passes would be for a counter-attacking team, and he’s only lost possession 10 times.
However, a game-to-court ratio of 1/8 means that if the US were to attack the center more, it could be very dangerous. Kaye was substituted in the 58th minute, as Herdman realized he had trouble getting picked.
MF Tajon Buchanan: 6
Wherever Kaye was in trouble, so was Buchanan. He has always been a weak link for Canada, losing possession 27 times and completing only five of 18 duels. Thankfully, the Sam Adekugbe behind him is great, and Buchanan’s troubles don’t do more harm.
In the end, however, none of these numbers really reflect what is required at Buchanan, which is to relieve pressure by doing a defensive third even if it leads to sometimes losing power. own. He has done this successfully, with two successful dribbles in three attempts, two long balls and a total of 79 touches on the flanks. He also contributes to the air, and he passes the ball well when given the chance, but in the end, Buchanan is better tactically than statistically.
MF Richie Laryea: 7
Larryea was an invisible player in this game, and that was probably the plan. While Buchanan had close to 80 touches as he sought to create an outlet to relieve pressure, Laryea was a much more defensive midfielder, amassing just 41 touches.
Even so, he still does his job well. He has won nine of his 14 duels, including four tackles, while fouling four times and failing to commit a single foul thanks in part to the friendly whistle at home. Laryea worked very well with Johnston to block Pulisic’s line.
THAN: How Canada can qualify for the World Cup
MF Jonathan Osorio: 7
Like Buchanan, Osorio is an escape route, meaning bringing David and Larin on if the counter-attack promises enough. He also provides good defensive support on both flanks. His numbers aren’t anything to write home about, but he’s helped the counters grow rapidly.
FW Cyle Larin: 8
Larin has the opening goal, and he has a delicate finish. It was not a pretty goal, but it was expertly executed from a tight angle to shoot. It was the same opportunity the US conceded when El Salvador’s Alex Roldan missed just a few days ago. But Larin is a natural-born striker and takes chances very quickly.
The build-up was also great, as Larin nearly shoved Miles Robinson down the field with his move. Turning that talent of a central defender is not small.
For the rest of the match, Larin creates an exit and is firmly in the air. He’s only won two out of nine duels, but that doesn’t matter. He put his teammates on the attack and combined extremely well with Jonathan David the whole match.
FW Jonathan David: 8
Jonathan David is a problem, and will be America’s problem for the next decade. There is no other way to set it.
This young player fits perfectly into John Herdman’s system. Constantly a threat with his lightning pace on the counter, David also showed his sights with one of his two to send Larin past goal to open the scoring. He completed 24/29 passes and succeeded in three of his four dribbles. He’s been fouled twice and won two out of four aerial duels, all excellent numbers for a precious little possession team to come.
