The Head Coach of Canada Men’s National Soccer Team, John Herdman, has said his team would leave the World Cup with heads held high after their outing ended in a third straight defeat against Morocco.
Canada returned to the World Cup for the first time since the 1986 finals in Mexico after dominating CONCACAF region’s World Cup qualifiers but could not replicate that winning form in Group F, where they lost to Belgium and Croatia before losing 2-1 to Morocco.
While talking after losing to Morocco, Herdman said the team was proud of its achievements in Qatar.
He said: “It’s been the first time in a long time we’ve been here. We’d have liked to have been here longer but we’ve enjoyed the ride.
“We’re a young team, we’re developing. It’s been a hell of an experience.”
Though they were already eliminated before Thursday’s game, they wanted to sign off with a victory but their hopes were dashed after Morocco went scored in the fifth minute before adding another goal in the 24th minute.
While talking about Morocco’s first goal, Herdman said: “The first goal rattled us. It was a tough moment to take. They came out blood boiling. You really felt their intensity.”
He reflected on Canada’s tournament and said the team performed well.
He said: “As a football country we can be definitely proud of the performances.
“We showed up in every game. We were front-footed and fearless. That was a big part of the DNA we wanted to show.
“This isn’t Canada walking away with our heads down. We leave with our heads held high.”
