ATLANTA -- The 2024 Copa America could be a turning point for the Canada men's national soccer team, which is aiming to become a CONCACAF power.
Canada had to learn to play well before they learn to win. Under John Herdman and now into the early portion of Jesse Marsch's tenure, they have clearly mastered the first part of that sentiment. Progressing to the second portion, however, is an entirely separate challenge as Thursday's 2-0 loss to Argentina showed.
Marsch's arrival as Canada head coach came with plenty of risk. A highly specialized tactical mind hired just weeks before the start of a major summer tournament, the American was immediately staring down daunting matches against the Netherlands, France and Argentina as his first three opponents in charge.
At the end of that gauntlet, the team has already shown growth. Yet Canada also failed to score a single goal across the three matches — two multi-goal defeats and a scoreless draw.
MORE: Breaking down Argentina's 2-0 win over Canada at Copa America
Jesse Marsch impresses as Canada gets Copa America under way
Amidst plenty of doubters, Marsch has had an impressive start as Canada head coach. In his first six halves — across two friendlies against the Netherlands and France plus the Copa America opener against Argentina — his squad kept a clean sheet in four.
While Canada remain without a goal of their own through the three games, they have been bright in spurts against very strong opposition. That was especially true against Argentina, as they racked up 1.17 expected goals on 10 total shots.
"I'm not too concerned about not finishing," Marsch said in the postmatch press conference after the loss. "I know that over time those when you get those kinds of quality chances that you're going to score enough goals and we have enough quality on the pitch."
The biggest concern after Marsch's appointment was that his high risk, high reward pressing style would not fit international football, where defensive solidity is even more important. Yet Marsch has clearly adapted his approach to fit the international scene — Canada have retained their counter-attacking nature but also look promisingly compact and structured throughout the games, especially in the first half.
"I thought we had a good performance and especially when we were able to execute our tactical plan," Marsch said after the Copa America opener. "We made it very difficult on Argentina and and really could have had some goals. We could have had the lead."
He expanded on his adjustments to his press to fit his new role, saying: "We've worked on pressing from a compact space instead of an open space." He detailed how he is working to accept that his team may play without the ball for much of its games, which can get exhausting for a high-energy pressing side.
Canada must learn to prioritize results over performances
While the recent on-field signs indicate an uptick in future performances, one thing is still missing — points. Nobody expects Canada to beat the Netherlands, France or Argentina, but they will rue any ensuing slips against the likes of Peru and Chile should they crash out of the Copa America group stage.
Canada were no slouches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance at the event in 30 years. The squad left a positive impression on those tuning in around the world for the sport's greatest event.
Yet Canada also left Qatar without a single point. Despite their many impressive performances, often against superior opposition, they failed to secure any tangible results, finishing bottom of a brutal Group F below Morocco, Croatia, and Belgium.
Thus, after a 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands, a 0-0 draw with France and a 2-0 defeat to Argentina, many of the same conflicting feelings have returned. Sure, Canada played well and can be proud of their performance. But they have failed to do anything tangible in the process besides a confidence-boosting scoreless draw with Les Bleus.
"We’re performing better than I had hoped but we’re making more foolish mistakes than I hoped," Marsch said after the loss to Argentina.
With games against struggling CONMEBOL sides Peru and Chile next up, now is the time to take the next step and turn the positive performances into a quality pair of results which secures a spot in the knockout stage. Do that, and Marsch has suddenly ushered in a new dawn upon Canada men's soccer, one where they both play well and win games.
