Success or failure? Looking back on Canada's 2022 World Cup adventure
The Canucks are no longer in Qatar. Canada's 2022 World Cup journey officially ended with a 2-1 loss to Morocco, closing the curtain on the team's return to soccer's grandest stage. John Herdman's side leaves the desert having achieved certain milestones - a first-ever goal at the men's World Cup, for instance - but fell short of others, ultimately failing to earn a win, or even a point, over its three Group F matches. The final episode in our podcast series looks back on Canada's tournament as a whole. Was it a success or failure? What lessons did we learn? Which moments will we look back on most fondly? And what needs to improve as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil? Episode 10 answers those questions, and many more.
'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.
Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Daniel Rouse
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48:57
Full preview of Canada's World Cup finale vs. Morocco
A meaningless match? Hardly. Despite already being eliminated from contention for the last 16, Canada goes into its final group game against high-flying Morocco with much to play for. The Canadian men are still seeking a first-ever World Cup win. Or even a first point. They have one more chance in Qatar. To do that, John Herdman's side will need to slow down a Moroccan team that has its eyes on top spot in Group F. Will Canada play with less pressure in its finale? Will Herdman make significant lineup adjustments? And how do you stop Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech? Featuring an interview with former national team head coach Stephen Hart (16:21), Episode 9 answers those questions, breaks down the tactics on both sides, and predicts how the match will unfold.
'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.
Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Daniel Rouse
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34:30
Canada taken to school by wily Croatia
John Herdman told his players, and the world, that Canada would take down Croatia. Instead, the wily Croatians taught Herdman's team a harsh lesson, using their experience and technical quality to knock Canada out of the World Cup with a resounding 4-1 result. After such an encouraging performance against Belgium, it was a deflating way to bow out of the competition. How did everything go so wrong after Alphonso Davies' historic goal just 68 seconds into the match? Did Herdman get his tactics and lineup wrong? And did his infamous pre-game comments come back to haunt Canada? Episode 8 answers those questions, and breaks down the defeat from every angle.
'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.
Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Daniel Rouse
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43:12
Full preview of Canada vs. Croatia
Right back at it. After doing an impressive job of shackling Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium in their opening World Cup match, the task doesn't get any easier for the Canadians, who must replicate that performance against Luka Modric and Croatia. What tweaks, if any, should John Herdman make to his lineup? Will Canada come out with the same aggressive approach we saw in the unfortunate loss to Belgium? And can the Canucks be more clinical in front of goal? Featuring an interview with Croatian football journalist Aleksandar Holiga (17:13), Episode 7 answers those questions, breaks down the tactics on both sides, and predicts how the match will unfold.
'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.
Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Anthony Lopopolo
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40:59
Fearless Canada deserved more against Belgium
Fearless. Tenacious. Ferocious. Canada, playing its first men's World Cup match in 36 years, pushed Belgium to the brink. The only thing missing was the finish. Despite creating more shots, more chances, and earning rave reviews for a relentless performance, Canada fell 1-0 in its Group F opener. But the final score doesn't tell the whole story. Not by a long shot. Canada deserved better. Episode 6 dissects the gut-wrenching defeat from every angle, breaking down the tactics, standout individual performances, and puzzling officiating. John Herdman knew his team belonged at the top table of men's soccer upon arriving in Qatar. Now the entire world knows.
'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.
Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Anthony Lopopolo
'Canucks in Qatar' is a soccer podcast from theScore, tracking Canada's men's national team as it returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. From exclusive interviews to in-depth match previews and analysis, our hosts will explore John Herdman's charges from every angle before, during, and after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Canada's men's team is enjoying a meteoric rise and the World Cup is only the beginning.
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