To those who'd suggest there is no uniform "Canadian style of play" when it comes to international soccer, may I humbly suggest the following...
The Canadian style of play in international soccer is to always, always make things more difficult than they need to be.
Whether it's through squandered scoring chances, predictable defensive breakdowns or some new and exciting means of creating excruciating tension, Canadian teams -- men's and women's, across all age groups -- sure do have a knack for making the opposition look good.
It's in this spirit that we celebrate Canada's victory over the host, Azerbaijan, at the U17 Women's World Cup, a result that sends the Baby Reds into the quarterfinals against North Korea.
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Saturday's match was Canada's 10th, in the three editions of the U17 Women's World Cup, and never in those 10 matches has Canada scored more than once. The game against Azerbaijan -- who had lost their previous two games 11-0 and 4-0, and didn't even have a women's program until several years ago -- seemed the perfect opportunity to break that ignominious streak.
And sure, the game could have been 4-0, 6-0 even 10-0 for Canada, if not for a combination of fine saves from the young Azerbajiani goalkeeper, last-second defensive interventions and outright whiffs from Canadian attackers. In the end, it was Valerie Sanderson's rebounded goal, early in the second half, that was the difference. And a win is a win, I guess.
Now, let's be clear about what this tournament is, and isn't. It's a World Cup in name, but the competitors are teenagers, many of whom will not go on to long and illustrious careers in the sport. Many teams -- Canada among them -- have little preparation time, and the level of familiarity between players (who, again, are 17, 16 or even 15 years old) is, naturally, not going to be especially strong.
There were moments in the game that suggested some of these players, if given more time to develop, could correct some of the errors we witnessed. The timing of runs can be altered, with experience. Composure on the ball can be gained, with experience. More clinical finishing can be gained, with experience. And if some of these Canadian players have more time to grow together on and off the field, perhaps the "could have been blowouts" will turn into actual blowouts.
But to ignore the fact that other teams seemingly have developed many of these characteristics already would be to willfully stick our heads in the sand. Nigeria beat Azerbaijan 11-0. Gambia lost to North Korea and France by scorelines of 11-0 and 10-2. Japan beat Brazil 5-0. Perhaps these scores speak to the ongoing lack of global parity in the women's game, and it's important to remember that youth tournaments aren't always predictive of future success or expectations.
The point being, blowouts do exist at this age group and in this tournament. Saturday's game should have been one of them, and it wasn't. Whether it's down to individual on-field decisions, the coach's tactics, player selection, the entire Canadian development system or some combination of all of the above, the reality is that if Canada is to have a chance against North Korea in the quarterfinal, something will need to change drastically between now and Thursday.
Can we realistically expect that? Stranger things have happened. And to be fair, a second-place finish behind Nigeria in this group is probably what most followers would have expected at the start of this tournament. So Canada, thus far, has done what it's needed to do -- but just barely.
Also, despite the all-too-narrow scoreline, there was reason for optimism emanating from the game. Ashley Lawrence once again looked dominant in midfield, while fellow mid Rebecca Quinn showed some good ball distribution skills. Elissa Neff, earning her first start, brought plenty of energy, while Nichelle Prince demonstrated the pace that makes her dangerous up front, and Madeline Iozzi added a dimension to the attack with her runs and crosses from the left back position.
Yes, as has been said, this game could have been much more lopsided. Canada held the strong advantage in possession throughout the entire game, earned a dozen corner kicks and was creating havoc around the Azerbaijan goal for much of the encounter. But then, this fits neatly into our established "Canadian style of play", doesn't it? Lots of potential, lots of chances, lots of coulds, woulds, shoulds... thing is, in the cruel reality of sport, potential and two bucks will get you a cup of coffee. All that matters in international competition is results.
Amid all of this doom and gloom, let's remember a result is what Canada did get. A win. Advancement to the quarterfinals. An achievement of sorts, to be sure, even if it was gained in less than convincing fashion. For all of these players, a chance to further develop their skills under greater pressure, and with more at stake.
For some, the ones who'll go on to advance in the Canadian system, an opportunity to prepare themselves for the battles ahead in years to come. For others, the ones for whom this tournament represents the pinnacle of their progress, an experience to remember and cherish for a lifetime.
There's no doubt the players on the field, wearing the Canadian jersey, will give it their all in Thursday's quarterfinal against the powerful North Korean side. And let's not kid ourselves -- despite this dire synopsis of Saturday's narrow result against lowly Azerbaijan, Canada could still get a victory in that match, if the stars align and if circumstances conspire to give the Canadians the little advantages that make the big difference.
It all starts, though -- as it always does for Canada -- with not making things so damned hard on themselves.
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