John Herdman has said repeatedly over the last 18 months that Canada's goal at the upcoming Women's World Cup is to be in the final. And, you know what, as the tournament draws near, he could very well be onto something.
That is, if we're talking about the U20 tournament this summer.
The core of that under-20 team was on full display on Wednesday night at B.C. Place, as part of the senior squad's friendly battle against the powerful Germans. Kadeisha Buchanan, Rebecca Quinn and Sura Yekka lined up at the back behind Jessie Fleming, who was eventually replaced by Ashley Lawrence.
Any one of those five -- or several of them -- could emerge as true stars of the U20 Women's World Cup, and have true potential for the Canadian program on a long-term basis. Heck, one or several of them could shine at the senior Women's World Cup next year. But on Wednesday night the Germans helped remind us that, oh yeah -- these are still kids we're talking about.
While the defensive trio of Buchanan, Yekka and Quinn performed admirably in last month's 1-1 draw with the U.S. in Winnipeg, they seemed a little less settled against the Germans, with second-half goalkeeper Erin McLeod called upon to make numerous big-time saves to keep the game close. Had the Germans been more clinical with the chances they were able to produce, the scoreline surely could have ballooned beyond a narrow one-goal margin.
On the other end of the pitch, Canada struggled to create decent scoring chances against an organized German side. Sophie Schmidt was, oddly, lined up as a striker to begin the match, and rewarded fans with a looping, weird, surely-unintentional shot that managed to elude German 'keeper Nadine Angerer and confused TV viewers, even five seconds after the ball had gone in. (Well, it confused me anyway, but perhaps that's just my wonky depth perception.)
This was the second of four big tests for Canada this year, as the WWC on home soil (turf) draws ever nearer. On paper, you'd say Canada has passed so far, with that creditable draw against the top-ranked Americans, and a razor-thin loss to the No. 2-ranked Germans under their belts (and a pair of matchups with reigning World Cup champs Japan in October yet to come).
Sure, we can talk about how Germany could have had more goals, and about how Schmidt could try that shot 1,000 more times and probably never get it to go again. Ultimately, though -- especially in big knockout tournaments -- scorelines don't always do justice to the participants. The official record will show Germany defeated Canada by the narrowest of margins, which on its face is an encouraging sign for the Canadians.
Also encouraging is that, despite some miscues during the Germany game, the quintet of youngsters have all appeared relatively comfortable on the field against the world's top two sides (albeit, sides that were missing some of their top players).
But there are warning signs as well. Once again, an opponent found a way to shut down Christine Sinclair. She's become more entrenched in her second striker/attacking midfielder role in the past two years, a role at which she's adept. But if Sinclair is no longer the focal point of Canada's goal-scoring efforts, who is?
Is it Schmidt, a midfielder? Josee Belanger, who up until a year ago was retired from the national team? Melissa Tancredi, who's made exactly two appearances for Canada since the 2012 Olympics?
It could be Jonelle Filigno, Adriana Leon or Christina Julien, all of whom have shown promise. But are they ready to step up into the spotlight and put Canada on their back in 2015, the way Tancredi did in 2012 and Sinclair has done countless times throughout her career?
The other lingering question is the health of Lauren Sesselmann. She was undoubtedly a big part of Canada's success at the London Olympics, and her versatility and skill set are nearly impossible for the Canadian team to replace. Her recovery from a knee injury will also have a big part to play in determining how far Canada can make it at next year's World Cup.
Because at the World Cup, there's no holding back. The U.S., Germany and every other nation will have their full teams at the ready. They'll have the motivation to perform, and the plans to make it happen. Will Canada be able to say the same?
How the under-20 team does at their World Cup this summer may just provide us with a very important piece of the answer to that ongoing and ever-present question.