sports
Canada leave final World Cup window with more questions than answers
Jesse Marsch’s side avoided Italy in the opener and unearthed a spark in Marcelo Flores, but a blunt attack, defensive doubts and key injuries still cloud their outlook
TL;DR
- Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina (65th ranked) in their World Cup opener, avoiding the higher-ranked Italy (12th).
- The team's attack has been ineffective, scoring only two Jonathan David penalties in their last two games and failing to score from open play in six of their last seven.
- Defensive depth is a concern due to multiple injuries, with notable players like Moïse Bombito and Alfie Jones absent.
- Marcelo Flores has emerged as a positive spark, bringing different attacking dimensions with his dribbling and playmaking.
- Goalkeeper selection remains a major question, with Max Crepeau and Dayne St Clair being consistently close in contention.
- Key player fitness, including that of Alphonso Davies, Steph Eustaquio, Alistair Johnston, and Promise David, will be crucial for Canada's tournament prospects.