Canada outclasses Cuba, flies atop Nations League group
Originally posted on Soccer Examiner
Canada reproduces its Gold Cup routing of Cuba in the first encounter of the second phase of the CONCACAF Nations League
To be fair, things didn't look that way at the start.
Cuba's Pablo Elier Sanchez set up his side really well defensively, with off the ball movement looking like something out of a synchronized swimming team. Alas, for him things didn't hold up that way.
Unable to use the services of Atiba Hutchinson, Scott Arfield (due to injury) and Cavallini (expecting a baby) Canada head coach John Herdman proposed an offensive 4-3-3 with Hoilett, Davies and David leading the attack.
Cuba's hard-nosed defending and good field coverage lasted only 12 minutes, when Hoilett collects a ball from 35 yards out, sets his sights on the right post, and beats Sanchez for the first time. 1-0 Canada.
On 21 minutes, David controls the ball with his heel, runs in on goal, eludes his marker and megs the Cuban goalkeeper to collect his 11th goal in 9 caps! 2-0 Canada.
Cuba keeps a high defence in the first half, which allows Canada to attempt several long balls which have provided David with goal scoring opportunities on 37 and 39, which don't materialize.
In the second half, Canada's attacks intensify, and Cuban defensive discipline wanes. Just four minutes from the restart Canada delivers a one-two punch that knocks out the Caribbean side for good. First Osorio switches the ball to Hoilett, who collects on his chest, walks in and beats Sanchez on a low, diagonal shot to complete his brace. Two minutes later, Hoilett returns the favour offering the Toronto FC man an assist on a silver platter. 4-0 Canada.
Goals keep raining down in Toronto's BMO Field with Henry, who slots a ball past Sanchez, and Hoilett, who completes his hattrick from the penalty spot after being taken down from behind in the Cuban 18-yard box. 6-0 Canada.
Canada routes Cuba once again. Good ball movement, lots of scoring opportunities, and most importantly a shining debut by Toronto FC's Laryea who was neat on the ball all night, was dangerous on the right flank and has grown in confidence.
Highlights
Notable Quotes
“We worked a lot on it in training. [Herdman] made us understand that sometimes we need to invest on one side in order to wear a team down and then open something up on the other side. But we have good enough players that we can actually create things when we all come into the same area. It was fun, it was enjoyable and that is a bright thing to look forward to in many games to come.” ~ Mark-Anthony Kaye, Canada Midfielder
"It’s a dream come true to captain my country and top it with a hat trick. We worked hard for it all week and we came out as a team, and there is more to come. We just have to keep working as we worked in training this week, with the same intensity, the same positivity. We are going out as a team, you can see we are all trusting each other, we know how to work with each other. You’ve seen the performance today, we came out strong and we have to do it again." ~ Junior Hoilett, Canada Forward
“It’s [Laryea]’s first cap and first time with us and I thought he did magnificent. Since Day 1, he’s been willing to learn and willing to execute the game and he’s done well. You can see he’s got a lot to give and I am happy he is out there with us.” ~ John Herdman, Canada Head Coach
Match Facts
Canada 6, Cuba 0
Line-Ups:
Canada (4-3-3): Borjan, Laryea, Cornelius, Henry, Miller; Piette, Osorio, Kaye; Davies, David, Hoilett.
Cuba (4-5-1): Sanchez, Baquero, Rizo, Morejon, Piedra, Portal; Hernandez, Espino, Rodriguez; Hernandez; Reyes.
Goals: Hoilett (3), David, Osorio, Henry.
Attendance: 10,224
Canada's Next Nations League Match: v Cuba, September 10, 2019
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