The CanMNT lost a heartbreaker against Belgium in their first-ever FIFA World Cup game since 1986. However, the controversy started after the game after comments from John Herdman.
John Herdman and His Controversial Comments
John Herdman on His Controversial Comments
After Canada lost 1-0 to Belgium last week John Herdman huddled up his team to give a post-game speech, after that he was asked by TSN what he had said to his group. He responded by saying this:
“Yes, I said we’re going to eff Croatia.”
It got even more attention when a Croatian newspaper printed a picture on its front page with John Herdman naked and two small red leaves covering his mouth and lower area. The English translation came out as:
“You have the mouth now do you have the balls.”
Croatian Head Coach, Zlatko Dalić and also Kamal Miller on the Comments
Croatian head coach Zlatko Dalic was asked the next day to give his thoughts and said that he understood Herdman was just trying to motivate his players.” I see no issue in it, he was just trying to send a message to his players, and in that situation, it’s not a problem.”
It makes Sunday’s match at the World Cup way more interesting with Canada needing a result to keep its hopes alive of reaching the next stage. This is what Herdman also added.
“I meant no disrespect at all to Croatian people or the Croatian national team, we have nothing but respect and at that moment things can get heated and I was just trying to motivate my players.”
Kamal Miller was asked to give his thoughts on the situation.
“I honestly think he meant no disrespect, in fact, we actually respect them more and we are looking really looking forward to the big game on Sunday.” Canada currently sits at the bottom of Group F while Croatia is tied for second with Morocco with one point after their 0-0 draw.
Game Coming up Tomorrow
READ MORE: The 2022 CanMNT World Cup Preview: Looking to Make History
This is actually happening 🤯#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/7wqp2GBd4t
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 20, 2022
Canada will face Croatia and the game can be seen on TSN and CTV in English while RDS will carry the game in French with an 11:00 AM ET kickoff time. That game will happen in Al-Rayyan at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.
