CORNERFLICK
Jesse Marsch said Canada need to learn quickly how to handle high-quality opposition after a 2-1 defeat by Switzerland on Wednesday.
Canada could have finished top of Group B with a draw and kept their next match in Vancouver, but they started slowly and paid for it. Switzerland scored twice after the break, and although Canada pushed late on, they could not find an equaliser.
Speaking after the match, Marsch described Switzerland as a “very good” side and said they showed their experience, intelligence and organisation. He added that his team must understand how to approach games like this more quickly now that the knockout stage has arrived.
The defeat left Canada without a win in seven World Cup matches against European teams. Marsch said his side can become too cautious in big games, despite working on aggression, physicality and tempo.
Canada will now travel to Los Angeles for their round-of-16 tie. Marsch said the team were disappointed to miss out on staying in Vancouver, but still believe there is a big opportunity ahead.