The Canadian men's national team are as optimistic and determined as they’ve been in their modern history as they prepare to face Mexico in the two teams’ second match of the Gold Cup, and key midfielder Jonathan Osorio has publicly urged his teammates to carry their bullish mindset onto the pitch at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver on Wednesday night.
Even if Les Rouges haven’t defeated El Tri since the 2000 edition of this tournament.
“We shouldn’t fear any team. If you fear any team you’re at an immediate disadvantage,” the Toronto FCHomegrown told Sportsnet. “We can’t fear Mexico. We have to respect them; respect them, yes.”
After decades of relative underachievement in the region, coach John Herdman has his team believing that they can achieve big things and conquer new territory, and Osorio’s approach exemplifies that quiet confidence.
“Historically, they have the number on us. Mexico has very a long history in football, Canada does not,” he added. “They’ve been at an advantage, but things have changed, and we’re developing better players and catching up, so if anybody has to be a little fearful maybe it should be Mexico.”
Read John Molinaro’s full piece for more details and CanMNT perspective.
