Ambivalent is one of the most misused words in the English language. This morning, following Canada's 0-0 draw with Honduras in World Cup qualifying, seems like a good time for a vocabulary lesson.
See, the word describes someone being conflicted about something. It doesn't mean indifference, the most common way that it is misused.
If you're a fan of the Canadian national team you likely feel incredible ambivalent right now. You absolutely don't feel indifferent.
Two weeks ago had you asked pretty much anyone whether they would have taken four points and three up on Honduras after two games and they likely would have . But, when you were inches from six points up, co-leaders in the group, you can't help but feel a sense of loss.
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Still, this is Canada. You understand how much worse it could have been. Four years ago they sat on just one point after two home games. That was an unqualified disaster. This is just vaguely disappointing.
Beyond the table there is also reason to feel ambivalent about the play. They have now gone more than 270 minutes without conceding. Kevin McKenna and Andre Hainault have been absolute beasts in the back. For four years we've been worried about whether the back could hold up. It has. That's vital and if it continues to play this strongly Canada will be in the mix right up until the final match day.
They've scored once in those same 270 minutes. The attack lacks punch in the final third. They probably created enough last night to get at least one and the failure to do so left everyone feeling more than a little disheartened. If the impotence on attack continues they won't make this easy on themselves.
Overall, I think, there are slightly more positives than negatives. Logically, that's understood. Emotionally, however, you can't help but feel a little...uyfjuykfyfuw, however.
The bottom line is that after two games Canada is still positioned to advance to the hex. Honduras didn't look great and they will likely drop more points moving forward. If Canada can find some scoring boots over the summer (and not lose McKenna or Hainault to injury) then we might be feeling far less tentative come the end of September.
Until then we will fret. It's what Canadian supporters do.