Losing to Honduras last night would have been disappointing. Losing the way Canada did was inexcusable.
They gave up. There really isn’t any other logical explanation. Honduras is not seven goals better than Canada. They are when the players on the pitch lack pride. Bluntly, there is ample evidence that many of the players that have represented Canada in the last couple cycles are lacking on the character front.
Some countries have a golden generation. Canada is at the end of a selfish one. Although the current group is more talented than any other that has preceded them, they are spineless.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
The evidence was there in 2008 when the senior players gave up on Dale Mitchell and put up a pathetic two points. Ten points this round looks good, but with six coming against Cuba one must keep things in perspective. In retrospect it was ludicrous to believe that had a chance to get anything from yesterday. It’s embarrassing to think that we cared.
Before the game many talked about this being the biggest game of their career. The key word in that sentence is “their.” They wanted to get to the World Cup to fulfill their dreams, not to see Canada advance.
They care, in a way, but they don’t care passionately. In Honduras, yesterday’s game was seen as life and death. Amongst the Canadian team it was clearly seen as something far less.
Again, this isn’t about the loss. A two or even three goal defeat would have been understandable, if not pleasant.
But, to lie down? To sit back and take a beating?
Come on.
Let’s make something clear. Yesterday was not the CSA’s fault. Sure, they have made mistakes in the past, but it wasn’t the blazers capitulating on the pitch. That mess is all on the players.
There are a few exceptions, but for the most part there was little passion in this group. I don’t think I’m alone in hoping that the majority of that team retires from international football. I’d rather lose with kids that care than deal with what we saw yesterday.
The Canadian national team has hurt me many times over the years. They’ve never before made me feel ashamed. They did yesterday. As they slink back to their club teams I hope they share that feeling.
But, I’m not sure they do.