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Davies available for Canada against Qatar after injury absence
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada /Sports

Davies available for Canada against Qatar after injury absence

From Global News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Canada's soccer team is aiming for a historic World Cup victory against Qatar.
  • Captain Alphonso Davies is available for the match after recovering from a hamstring injury.
  • The team is embracing a confident, aggressive mentality for the tournament.

Canada's national soccer team is preparing to challenge its reputation for politeness on the World Cup stage, aiming for a historic victory against Qatar. After securing their first-ever World Cup point with a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, the players are focusing on mentality and swagger.

I don't think it's always a bad thing to play with arrogance. I think we're at our best when we play with that swagger.

โ€” Niko SigurCanadian midfielder discussing the team's mentality for the World Cup.

"I don't think it's always a bad thing to play with arrogance," midfielder Niko Sigur stated. "I think we're at our best when we play with that swagger." This confidence is palpable as they look to achieve their first win in the tournament. "I think if we're at our best and we're all together, including guys off the bench and the starters," Sigur added, "that we can give them a lot of trouble."

I think if we're at our best and we're all together, including guys off the bench and the starters, that we can give them a lot of trouble.

โ€” Niko SigurCanadian midfielder expressing confidence in the team's ability to challenge opponents.

A significant boost for Canada is the availability of captain Alphonso Davies, who missed the opening match due to a hamstring injury. Coach Jesse Marsch confirmed Davies would be available for the Qatar game, though his exact role is yet to be determined. The team has faced other injury setbacks, with Forward Promise David recovering from a hip injury and Marcelo Flores ruled out with a knee injury.

We know we have the weapons needed to win.

โ€” Stephen EustรกquioCanadian midfielder on the team's capabilities.

Despite these challenges, the team, known for its high-intensity pressing and physical style under Marsch, remains confident. "We know we have the weapons" needed to win, midfielder Stephen Eustรกquio said. Defender Richie Laryea echoed this sentiment, stating, "I think we could use the word 'ready.'" However, players are mindful of the fine line between aggression and unsportsmanlike conduct, especially as yellow cards carried by defenders Luc de Fougerolles and Alistair Johnston could impact tiebreakers if teams finish level on points.

I think we could use the word 'ready.'

โ€” Richie LaryeaCanadian defender reflecting the team's preparedness for the World Cup.
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Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.