In the days ahead we will be taking a serious look at the current state of the Canadian women’s national team. Today, however, is not that time.
Today is a time for fans of the program to mourn. So much was expected of this team and there was an underlying hope that success for the women could help propel the sport forward.
In the end, the men’s 1-1-1 Gold Cup performance was actually better than what the women managed. All the progress – Cyprus Cup wins, CONCACAF championships – doesn’t matter today. The average fan doesn’t care; they only care about the World Cup
It was particularly sad that they played so poorly at a time when so many people were paying attention. Instead of a new age and confidence for Canadian football, it’s more of the same.
And that sucks.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
It’s been a hard couple of years for the sport here in Canada. With both club and country struggling it can be more than a bit discouraging. So, no one is going to blame anyone today if they wish to wallow in self-pity. Hoist a few pints, punch something (soft, preferably -- and not living) or even shed a tear.
But after you’re done be willing to cast a critical eye at the women. Bluntly, they have been treated with kid gloves throughout the build up to this tournament. That does no one any good.
As stated, I don’t expect that type of sober reflection today though. Today is not a day to be making decisions – at least not rational ones.
Today, be a fan.