Canadian coach Herdman jokes about Croatian tabloids

Doha, Qatar –

Canada had just lost their first World Cup match in 36 years, a 1-0 defeat to Belgium. An emotional John Hardman revealed in an on-field interview that he told his players in the post-game huddle.

“I told them they are here and we are going to F Croatia,” the coach said with a smile. “It’s that simple.”

His words echoed in Zagreb as Sunday’s Croatia-Canada game approached.

Croatia’s 24 Sata (24 Hours) tabloid ran a full picture of a naked herdsman with a maple leaf flag over his mouth and pubes and headlined: “

Commenting on Hardmann’s words on Saturday, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic used the word ‘respect’ 13 times in 90 seconds.

“Combining words like this is not respectful,” he said through an interpreter. “The way we play, the way we behave, and the way we respect everyone else is why we deserve respect.”

“I’m counting on the head coach and I can’t wait for the game to start,” said winger Ivan Perisic, who sat next to Dalic.

In front of Darik, Hardman tried to defuse the tension with humor.

“When you get a text message from your wife saying you need to start exercising before you get home, I think you know something is going on.

“My wife is chasing you guys,” he told the Croatian newspaper reporter with a laugh. I am eating too much.”

On Thursday, Hardman explained what his intentions were.

“I say those things in a huddle in a heated moment trying to inspire the team. When asked what I said in that huddle, yes, that was what I said,” he said. rice field.

“I don’t have that much respect for the people of Croatia or the Croatian national team. I know very well where they are on the world stage. But at that moment you put your men next. I took him to the place of

Canada, facing Croatia for the first time, could be eliminated with another loss.

Croatia, who lost to France in the 2018 final, are the 12th-ranked team in the world and opened the day with a 0-0 draw against Morocco. Star Luka Modric, 37, is likely to appear in his last World Cup, with a first-half shot over the crossbar.

Canada have played only four World Cup games in their history and are still looking for their first goal. The Canadians outscored the Belgians 21–9, but gave up a goal to Michy Batshuayi from a long pass in the 44th minute. Alphonso Davies had a chance to put Canada ahead in the 11th minute, but his penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

“We know exactly what our slingshot is and as I say cover is away from Canada so we have to be ready to attack it in a variety of games. There is.

Captain Atiba Hutchinson, 39, was the only surviving member of the current roster when Canada lost 3-0 in the 1986 World Cup and was eligible for his 100th international appearance on Sunday. Yes, and Julian de Guzman is second with 89.

Midfielder Jonathan Osorio is looking forward to facing the last World Cup runner-up.

“I want to play my best,” he said after the Belgium game. “We are excited about the challenge.”