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PASADENA, Calif. – Canada had a brilliant first test at the Concacaf Gold Cup, but the mighty Mexico will be on board next Wednesday in Denver (10:30 ET / TSN 1/4/5 in Canada, FS1, Univision and UDN at United States)), and it's a much bigger challenge.
The Canucks, of course, understand that, but they can not wait to run to the greatest power in the region. If they will show El Tri all they have, it's another matter.
"Mexico has always been a difficult team. Quality players, "said LAFC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, whom Herdman used as left-back in this tournament, following Canada's 4-0 win over Martinique at the Rose Bowl on Saturday. "Regarding Canada Soccer, I think it's a great test to undergo in the next game, and we really want to show it."
How well? It depends. The goal is to reach at least the semifinals, for the first time in a dozen years, where a rematch on Mexico would be likely.
"I think Mexico scores at least three goals in every game. That's the trend, "said Herdman, who remains undefeated at the helm of The Reds with six official victories, including five launders, since taking office in January 2018. "There is a real reality to check when you meet such a prolific team. And we must pay real attention to it.
"The Canadian DNA in these matches has been typically to defend. I think we have a little more about it now, so I think the players are excited about this game. But you also have to think about the trip and the altitude [in Denver]. There is a possibility of rotation of players, because I think our team is a little deeper [than past Canada teams]. "
The possibility of a June 2 rematch in semifinal at Glendale, Arizona, is also at stake. Herdman says there is a "plan in the lead" without disclosing what that might be.
"We will probably see the Mexicans, if it goes as planned, late in the tournament," he said. "So, we also want to show them how much we want to show them in this first match."
The teams have met three times in previous Gold Cups. Mexico won a 3-1 win at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1991, its inaugural tournament, and ended in an 8-0 destruction at Estadio Azteca two years later. Canada upset El Tri, 2-1, in overtime in the quarterfinals at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, en route to its 2000 title.
After Mexico's 7-0 win against Cuba in the second game of doubles, head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino said he was "not surprised" at Canada's performance against Martinique.
"It's a good group, very well trained," he said. "An opponent who is strong."
The Canucks looked good in the opening game, but the match could have been very different if Martinique had been more effective with his chances. They had four exceptional chances as they led 1-0 in the last five minutes of the first half, forcing goalkeeper Milan Borjan to make two important saves and defend Marcus Godinho as soon as possible.
"It's the first days [with this group]Said Herdman. "It was our first test. I thought we did well, but there is work to be done. I'm not happy with everything in this game, express it as well. And I think the midfielder did a great job, but there is a bit of work to be done in the other direction. "
Jonathan David, 19, scored two Canadian goals by scoring six goals in five international games. The striker based in Belgium knows that the situation will be more difficult Wednesday.
"It's a different challenge because we know it's a very tough adversary and we may not have a lot of opportunities," David said. "And that's why we have to be clinical and make the most of the chances we have to try to score."
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