CanMNT Game three: Swiss cheese soccer is full of holes

The GIST: Canada’s inaugural men’s WC win stirred up equal parts joy and heartbreak, as Ismaël Koné — one of the squad’s top players — suffered a gruesome leg injury. Now on the precipice of even more history, Canada must keep their eyes on the prize and play with the same tenacity and fervor from their last dub.

⏪ Let’s reflect on last Thursday’s win against Qatar: It’s hard to overstate just how well things were going for CanMNT. Strikers Cyle Larin and Jonathan David clearly read our last preview, coming out hot and scoring three goals in the first half.

• But then Qatari defensive midfielder Assim Madibo tackled the aforementioned Koné, breaking his leg and ending his tournament. And although this was devastating, Canada did not bend, scoring twice more and forcing an own goal to win 6–0.

• The energy and excitement from the statement win reverberated nationwide, indicating Canadian men’s soccer is firmly part of the worldwide conversation. As head coach Jesse Marsch said, “No Canadian will forget this day.”

👀 That said, today’s opponent, Switzerland, is a far superior team to Qatar. Here are the players who can make a difference and send Canada to the promised land:

• 🔴 Jonathan David | Striker: Only two players have scored a hat trick so far this WC: David and Argentinian GOAT Lionel Messi. Quite the company to be in.

• ⚪ Nathan Saliba | Midfielder: It’s no small feat to sub in for your buddy after an injury like Koné’s. Though he was shaken, Saliba immediately scored — and celebrated properly.

• ⚫ Maxime Crépeau | Goalkeeper: The formidable Crépeau was not tested by Qatar, who did not register a single shot on goal. That probably won’t be the case with the Swiss, who have five goals this tourney — just two fewer than Canada.

🔥 Time to bring the energy, Canada. With a massive Group B showdown against Switzerland set for today and a historic knockout-round berth within reach, the party is just getting started. Why not take your excitement to the streets with BMO:

• 👟 Put your fancy footwork to the test at the BMO x Cadillac Fairview Fast Feet activation at CF Toronto Eaton Centre until June 30.

• ⚽ Snap a selfie with the icon of the summer, the 50-foot-tall BMO x Canada Soccer soccer ball at First Canadian Place.

• 💙 Stop by select BMO branches in Toronto and Vancouver to grab free The GIST x BMO stickers designed by Canadian artists.

The GIST: Switzerland was the favorite to win Group B before the WC began, but their tourney hasn’t exactly gone as planned. Here’s what you need to know about the Red Crosses.

‼️ Super subs made the difference in their 4–1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina: After Switzerland’s opening match against Qatar ended in an unexpected 1–1 draw, the pressure was on the favorites to come out swinging against Bosnia last Thursday.

• However, it took until midway through the second half for the Swiss to open the scoring, with two substitutes — forward Johan Manzambi and winger Rubén Vargas — accounting for three of their four goals.

• Better late than never, sure, but it’s indicative of a real issue: The Red Crosses, who aren’t a high-scoring team to begin with, are off to a slow start.

🔨 But to underestimate is to lose focus — here are the Swiss players who could cause Canada some trouble:

• 🔴 Granit Xhaka | Defensive midfielder: The veteran captain has been scrutinized by the Swiss media for being too negative about his team this tourney, but that doesn’t seem to bother Xhaka, who is still the most effective Swiss playmaker on the field.

• ⚪ Johan Manzambi | Forward: The 20-year-old made all the difference against Bosnia, coming off the bench and scoring two goals in 16 minutes. Perhaps it’ll be enough to earn him a starting spot against Canada.

🍁 Shoot yo shot, Toronto. The BMO Goal Challenge is giving you the chance to test your sweet soccer skills right in the center of the action.

• 📍 Where: Canada House

• 🗓️ When: Now until July 2nd.

• 🥅 The Fun Stuff: Test your soccer moves against an interactive virtual goalkeeper and rack up goals for the chance to win prizes. You might even get some on-screen hype from BMO Guy, Lamorne Morris 👀

👏 CanMNT proved they are capable of relentless, physical, and clinical offense in their win over Qatar — an evolution that’s unfolded since Marsch took the reins. Plus, seeing a substitute like Saliba make an immediate impact in an emotionally challenging game was extremely reassuring.

• Saliba’s style is not a one-for-one swap for Koné’s creative playmaking, but he’s an excellent passer and even better defender than his childhood friend.

👊 In order to defeat Switzerland, a far more technically sound team than either Qatar or Bosnia and Herzegovina, CanMNT will need to balance their newfound offensive firepower with their bread and butter: lockdown defense.

• Speaking of, this could mark star defender Alphonso Davies’ return to the pitch — Canada’s best player missed the first two matches while recovering from a hamstring injury, but is available again today.

☝️ One last thing: By rallying after Koné’s injury, this team proved they not only have the talent to reach the knockouts, but also the mental fortitude to go where no Canadian men’s team has gone before. This team is playing for something bigger than themselves — and that may make all the difference.