ANALYSIS + HIGHLIGHTS: Netherlands vs. CanMNT (June 6, 2024)
The Canadian men's national team began their new era under new head coach Jesse Marsch with a battle against the Netherlands in a match that ended 4-0 for the home team in Rotterdam but offered a good glimpse of what this team could become in the months and years to come.
Faced with the task of taking on the Netherlands and France ahead of the 2024 Copa America – where Canada will face Argentina, Chile, and Peru – Marsch's new-look squad started this game with a solid showing in the first 45 minutes, holding the Dutch to 0-0 and threatening up top while remaining defensively resolute. In particular, surprise starter Dayne St. Clair in goal proved commendable.
But the second half saw the Netherlands return to their dominant best, as Memphis Depay, Jeremie Frimpong, Wout Weghorst and Virgil van Dijk all found the back of the net without reply, as Canada tired from their high press.
Canada will have to recover quickly, however, as their next test against France on Sunday (2:30PM ET / 11:30AM PT on OneSoccer) won't be any easier; but, it will be just as valuable an experience for a team that's long craved top-tier opposition to sharpen their own steel, and ahead of a Copa America, these matches offer more value than the scoreline may indicate.
Here are your match highlights: