Well, apparently our men’s national team scored a 1-0 win over Martinique last night.
Canada seems to have ridden a 25th-minute goal from Dwayne de Rosario to victory over a tiny Caribbean team that drove them nuts – and almost defeated them – way back in the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
I’m hedging a bit, because the official press release from the Canadian Soccer Association today contained no statistical details whatsoever. No shots, saves, corner kicks, fouls, offsides, cards – and while the Canadian lineup was provided, we got no names of Martinique players.
I can tell you when Canada made substitutions, and who went in, but there is no information whatsoever about who came out. (Martinique apparently made two substitutions, at 76 and 83 minutes, when one nameless player appears to have trotted out in place of another.)
Look, I’m sure there are logistical problems playing in Martinique. But howzabout a phone call home? A fax? The Internet’s useful, from time to time, I’m told. Canada had a full contingent down there. Couldn’t anyone bang out a short game story – or collect the names of the opposing players?
How did Canada’s North America-based players look as a unit? Did the midfield link up nicely with the front man? Or front men? Did we hit a lot of goalposts? Did they? Did Canada carry the game, or were we lucky to escape with a win?
I don’t think these are unreasonable questions, and I think we should have the answers by now.
What is the point of sending the entire Canada dog-and-pony travelling soccer show to carpetbag in the islands, mon, if nobody even bothers to phone home and tell us what really went on down there?
Time of possession is a huge issue with this team right now, as it continues the transition to playing under new head coach Dale Mitchell. When the only available stat is 1-0 on the scoreboard, we know nothing about how Canada played.
Dear CSA – look, I’m on the attack. I want you out. But I don’t want to have to come after you for small stuff. I’m aimed squarely at your board, constitution and financial statements. That’s the fight I expect, and that’s the fight I’m ready for.
Please don’t make me write items about how we can’t even get the names of the other team’s players! Bang out some stats, give us some numbers to crunch, and let’s limit our disagreement to more crucial – and far more important – matters.
Do you really want to look this bad on a basic scoresheet?
Your concerned opponent
Ben
