Thoughts? – Why Canada Should Continue to Watch the Gold Cup

    The Quarterfinal round has finished. Eight teams took to the field, four move on. Canada was depressingly sent home after the group phase, relegated by that last minute equalizer that drew the match level and allowed El Salvador to sneak in at the Reds expense.

    The USA, Mexico, Honduras, and Panama move on to the Semifinals; Jamaica, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and El Salvador go home. Aside from the action, the theatrics and the drama of the matches, what reason is there for Canada and their fans to continue to watch the tournament?

    Once the disappointment at not progressing passes it becomes apparent that there is much to be learned from watching the competition. As Sun Tzu once taught, “It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.” In essence, know yourself and know your enemy.

    In recent matches, under the leadership of Stephen Hart it could be argued that Canada knows itself or is at least gaining a better understanding. Some of their play at the Gold Cup was exceptional. The second half attempted fight back against the US, the gritty win against a strong Guadeloupe, and the possessional dominance in the final match against Panama, were significant lessons and confidence builders for the team.

    Those lessons should not be forgotten in the noise of disappointment. These matches Canada finds itself excluded from are not only valuable for Mr. Hart and his staff, but for all supporters of the Canadian National Team.

    By learning of your enemy’s strengths and weaknesses, one can progress with a better understanding of the situation and of how to view and progress competition and disappointments.

     The world of Central American and Caribbean football is a wilderness to all but the most hardened of enthusiasts. The players, apart from those who ply their trade overseas, are a mystery. And be not fooled by their humble surroundings, there is a skill and toughness to be admired and feared amongst those tropical climes.

    The long road to footballing glory for Canada is just beginning. As discussed in this earlier post, there are lessons to be learned and value to be found in the shock of exiting earlier than expected.

    Canada has learned much of itself, once knowledge of their enemies is accumulated and processed, the peril of such encounters will be lessened.