World Cup: Canada won’t get ‘arrogant’ as clash with Qatar looms

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The ball cannoned into the back of the net off the head of Swiss defender Miro Muheim, a shocking moment in the 94th of 95 possible minutes, lifting Qatar to a most unexpected of draws against Switzerland.

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The goal changed everything in Group B.

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And, at the same time, it changed nothing.

Heading into Thursday’s games — Qatar vs. Canada in Vancouver, and Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in L.A. — all four teams in the group are tied on points, goals, and goal differential.

The Swiss had been widely expected to walk away from the Qataris with three points and the Group B lead. But the favourites now find themselves on shaky ground, with the chances of Canada topping the group — and earning a knockout round game at B.C. Place — jumping considerably.

“That was our confidence even before all the results,” centreback Joel Waterman said of finishing first in the opening round.

“We want to top the group and give ourselves the best chance to keep going as far as we can. So the mentality stays the same, the confidence is really, really high, and nothing changes. We know the group is wide open. Obviously, we’re looking at the standings. The top two teams make it through and we want to be one of those top two teams.

” … But every game is going to be difficult. … There’s so many surprises in the World Cup, there’s no easy team. (Qatar and Switzerland) have different styles, but you got to play that final whistle.”

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The Maroons were under siege for most of Saturday’s game, holding just 30 per cent of the ball, and being outshot 27-5, and 10-3 on target. The Swiss had an expected goals mark of 3.44 to Qatar’s 0.8, but only scored once — a 17th-minute penalty kick from Breel Embolo.

Switzerland has now made it to the World Cup six straight times, making the round of 16 in four of them, but haven’t made it to the quarterfinals since 1954. But coming into 2026, more was expected of the 19th-ranked Rossocrociati — especially not an opening game draw against a team that had never recorded a World Cup point.

“It was a game that we expected to go how it did, in terms of possession and Switzerland dominating,” said Canada midfielder Niko Sigur. “We know that everybody’s on even points, on even goal differential. Going into this Qatar game, a win does us very good, and that’s what we’re looking to do. I don’t want to go too far ahead, but if we’re all even, three points is a big help. So let’s focus on that.”

The Rossocrociati’s lack of scoring should give Canada pause, as they failed to crack the Qatari defence despite the lopsided offensive chances. Goal-scoring has been a frequent topic in the lead-up to the tournament, and the talk didn’t quell after Canada’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

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Jonathan David had an off night and Tani Oluwaseyi didn’t generate much offence either, and while causing problems with his size, Promise David only had a single shot in 29 minutes. He did assist on Cyle Larin’s goal, and the Brampton Bagsman snapped his own scoring doldrums.

Of Canada’s last 14 games, they’ve scored just 15 times, and have been shut out four times. In that space, they’ve notched more than two goals just once.

“We’re not concerned,” Canadian winger Ali Ahmed said of his team’s scoring issues.

“We have the full confidence and belief that we’re going to score. The goals are coming, the goals will come. We’re creating good chances. We have quality strikers up top.

“Switzerland had some chances, but it’s the World Cup — you can’t play this game on paper. Any past results don’t matter, really. Every team, every game is hard to beat. Before we came on the field, Spain tied (Cape Verde) 0-0; see what I mean? You just never know. You can’t get too arrogant and just play the game on paper.”

jadams@postmedia.com

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