PREVIEW – The CanMNT face off against the USNMNT in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Gold Cup on Sunday, July 8 in Cincinnati, Ohio. This match provides an opportunity for CanMNT head coach John Herdman to get revenge after the disappointing Nations League Final defeat.
CanMNT Look For Revenge Against USMNT In Gold Cup Quarter-Final
How CanMNT Have Lined-Up Recently
The CanMNT last lined up in a conventional 4-4-2 formation, in an effort to provide structure and confidence in a side that had yet to win before their match against Cuba. Dayne St. Clair came in for the injured Milan Borjan, while Moise Bombito came in for the veteran Steven Vitoria, although employed in a midfield role. Bombito was not the only player who played out of their usual position in, as Liam Millar was put as a striker in the starting XI. Millar was one of the stand-out performers for Canada, as well as Ali Ahmed who has been arguably their player of the tournament so far.
Liam Fraser was chosen to start in the double pivot with Bombito, with Osorio playing on the right and Hoilett on the left. Cavallini was the only natural striker in the team, but has been struggling for goals as of late.
Your #CANMNT Starting XI vs. Cuba ⚔️
📺: @onesoccer, @fuboTVCanada and Telus Optik TV Ch. 980#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/18R7gjtEDZ
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) July 4, 2023
CanMNT Recent Form and Tactics
The CanMNT have struggled compared to their early expectations for the tournament. After being pipped as one of the favourites, they began the competition with a shocking 2-2 draw against Caribbean minnows Guadeloupe on Canadian soil. Guadelope stunned the crowd at BMO Field through Thierry Ambrose. And while Canada turned it around, a late own goal from Columbus Crew striker Jacen Russell-Rowe denied Canada their only potential victory at home. Their next match did not fair much better after drawing 0-0 against Guatemala, in which the Guatemalan side out-shot Canada 11 to nine.
Against Cuba, things turned around. Canada were able to put four past Cuba in what looked to be a convincing win, had they not conceded two avoidable penalties. Nevertheless, it was an improved performance that came just in time for this grudge match against the USMNT.
#CANMNT onto the @GoldCup Quarter-Finals 🇨🇦#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/K6NjWk2Rmh
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) July 5, 2023
Injuries To Consider
The only notable injury for Canada is to Milan Borjan, who will miss the remainder of the Gold Cup.
Borjan to miss remainder of 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup 🍁#CANMNT captain and goalkeeper Milan Borjan will miss the remainder of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup through injury.
Borjan has returned to Europe so that he can continue his recovery ahead of the 2022-23 club season.
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) July 3, 2023
Read More: USMNT Lineup Prediction vs Canada for Gold Cup July 9
Predicted XI vs USMNT
GK – Dayne St. Clair
RB – Richie Laryea
CB – Scott Kennedy
CB – Steven Vitoria
LB – Ali Ahmed
RM – Jonathan Osorio
CM – Liam Fraser
CM – Jayden Nelson
LM – Junior Hoilett
ST – Liam Millar
ST – Lucas Cavallini
