With Canada’s aspirations for a successful World Cup hosted on home soil at stake, coach Jesse Marsch strategically deployed captain Alphonso Davies as a “Alphonso wasn’t ready yet so I was using him a little bit as a decoy,” However, the cunning Swiss side saw through this tactic, leaving Marsch and his team to navigate the challenges of being road warriors.
The match at BC Place unfolded into an exhilarating second half after a hard-fought opening. In the end, despite a last-minute contribution from Canada’s substitute Promise David, Switzerland emerged victorious, winning Group B and securing the privilege of playing in Vancouver during the knockout stages.
In a curious twist, after a 2-1 defeat that relegated Canada to a last-32 matchup in Los Angeles against South Africa, Marsch admitted that Davies would not take part in this crucial game. Earlier in the week, he had insisted that the Bayern Munich star would play his first World Cup match. As Canada aimed for a draw to remain in Vancouver, Davies remained on the bench. “I wanted Switzerland to have to think about it.” Marsch explained. “Right now we only react on what is happening on the pitch,”
Switzerland’s coach, Murat Yakin, praised his team’s performance, with Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi contributing to a rapid two-goal lead early in the second half. “We delivered as a team and deserve to be where we are right now.” he stated, expressing confidence in his squad’s capabilities. Yakin is set to return to Vancouver on July 2, aiming to break a streak of seven consecutive defeats in World Cup knockout matches. “We wanted to be here in Vancouver, but we still have a massive opportunity ahead of us, to still electrify the nation,” he added.
Marsch indicated that Davies would be prepared for the upcoming game in LA, but doubts linger regarding his fitness. The quick turnaround poses additional challenges for the injury-stricken Canadian team. The absence of Ismaël Koné was highlighted when he was seen on crutches, having recently suffered a severe leg injury.
Initially considering Nathan Saliba and Mathieu Choinière as replacements, Marsch ultimately had to utilize both players, as vice-captain Stephen Eustáquio was unable to start. This wasn’t ideal against a seasoned Swiss midfield featuring Granit Xhaka. Yakin made four adjustments, giving Manzambi and Vargas starting roles.
Despite Eustáquio’s absence impacting expectations, the midday atmosphere in Vancouver remained electric. The closed roof of BC Place trapped both humidity and excitement, creating an impressive environment for a Wednesday match. This was the type of fervor that Marsch and Canada were eager to cultivate: a footballing nation hungry for success.
Following a sluggish start, Ricardo Rodriguez decided it was time to change the pace and soon sent a precise ball through Canada’s left defense. Breel Embolo managed to control the ball and approached the goal, but Maxime Crépeau displayed remarkable skill, reminiscent of an NHL goalie, as he rushed out to intercept.
Neither Saliba nor Choinière made significant impacts, but a hydration break shifted the momentum. Canada appeared more dynamic towards the end of the half, with Cyle Larin’s theatrical attempt at Xhaka earning him a questionable yellow card yet oddly lifting the home team’s spirits. In the 37th minute, news flashed across the screen that Bosnia led Qatar 2-0 in Seattle, raising the stakes for Canada. However, the tension eased with a Qatar goal, and Canada ended the half with vigor, Ali Ahmed’s strike being deflected away by Gregor Kobel.
The first half had not truly tested Canada’s defense, a reality that became glaringly clear just 40 seconds into the second half. Thanks to Yakin’s substitutions, Manzambi sent a cross from the left that found Vargas at the back post, exploiting Alistair Johnston’s positioning. Vargas’s finish was unexpected given the match’s overall tone.
In an attempt to uplift his team, Marsch prepared to substitute Eustáquio and two others. However, before the changes were made, the Swiss capitalized on a series of Canadian errors. Derek Cornelius and Luc de Fougerolles failed to clear, allowing Embolo to set up Manzambi for a goal that Crépeau could have defended better. Canada’s planned substitutions were enacted, but within just 12 minutes, it seemed clear that Los Angeles was the next destination for Les Rouges. Hope dimmed further when Nico Elvedi made a crucial block to deny Jonathan David in the 67th minute.
Promise David had vowed last month to score a World Cup goal in Vancouver. Just a minute after coming on, he fulfilled that promise, stretching to volley Saliba’s excellent cross at the back post, much to the delight of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who applauded from the stands.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Canada’s hopes were reignited. The atmosphere shifted as optimism surged, but ultimately, the team must now head south. “Even though it’ll be from Los Angeles.” Marsch concluded. “Even though it’ll be from Los Angeles.”
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