SANDY, Utah—Canada might not have beat Mexico in their semifinal matchup, but head coach Benito Floro views the game as a learning experience.
Mexico defeated Canada, 2-0, scoring goals on either side of halftime. Les Rouges had a handful of opportunities, most notably a saved penalty kick in the 80th minute, but they were unable to capitalize. Yet Canada needs high-pressure experience in big-time games, and that’s just what they got.
The first six minutes featured a particularly dramatic sequence: On one end, Canada nearly scored the opening goal, but forward Hanson Boakai’s touch at the top of the box was too heavy and the opportunity was wasted; moments later, Erick “Cubo” Torres scored for Mexico, and Canada were under it.
“Only the first five minutes we did things correctly,” said Floro. “After, we committed several tactical [errors]. But 1-0 is normal. The second goal was very, I’m not happy with the second goal because it was not dangerous. But I think it’s a good game for us, speaking about the experience.”
Canada played in a defensive shell for most of the match, opting to absorb pressure and look for an opportunity to spring the attack on the counter. Mexico seemed to play the entire 90 minutes in Canada’s half, but scored only twice.
Floro said it was largely mistakes that undid Canada’s hopes.
“It was difficult because of our mistakes fighting against us,” Floro said. “But it’s a good lesson for our players. It’s a good experience for them because several of them will maybe be with the first team. So we need to increase our level playing official games. For me, it’s a good lesson. So we consider it a positive.”
Canada is not out of the Olympics just yet. They will play the United States in a third-place match to determine who will play in a one-game playoff with Colombia for the final CONCACAF berth in the Olympic field. Midfielder Giuliano Frano is hoping that their encouraging performance against Mexico will yield positive results against their next opponent.
“I think if you’re creating opportunities that’s always encouraging,” Frano said. “Some days they go in, some days they don’t. The fact that we’re getting in those spots and getting those chances is a sign of good things to come. Hopefully against the United States we’ll play well and we’ll be ready for them for sure.”
