TH: Ironically, also the USMNT – mostly because what the hell happens when injuries hit (or if a suspension comes)? Pochettino’s plan A is really effective. But does he have a plan B? If he does, it’s not really clear yet. The U.S. can blow bad teams away, but their ability to break down, say, a well-disciplined Bosnia, has to be seriously questioned.
Canada have a few injuries to contend with, but you’d have to trust in Jesse Marsch’s penchant for a big game. The irony here is that all three teams are flawed in various ways. That’s what will make this thing fun.
AL: This is likely harsh, considering all of the injuries, but Canada have shown issues on both sides of the ball – especially at striker, where neither Jonathan David nor Cyle Larin has fully taken hold of the position.
Jesse Marsch deserves credit for rallying a team that has not traditionally played on this stage and for navigating three major injuries to Alphonso Davies, Moises Bombito, and Ismael Kone. But just assessing the performances, Canada are behind Mexico and the U.S. at this moment.
RT: Canada. Without a full-strength Davies, this team just doesn’t have the game-changing ability. It doesn’t look like we’ll see a full-strength Davies this tournament, which is a real shame.
