Marsch aims for Canada win over Swiss to keep home advantage

Canada coach Jesse Marsch is focused on securing a victory against Switzerland in their final World Cup Group B match to ensure the team remains in Vancouver for the knockout stage. Currently topping the group with four points, a draw would suffice to finish first, but Marsch insists on a winning mentality.

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Staying here in Vancouver is definitely our number one goal.

"Staying here in Vancouver is definitely our number one goal," Marsch stated at a news conference. He recalled that his objective to win the group was met with skepticism two years ago but expressed confidence in reaching this point. The coach emphasized that playing for a draw is a risky approach, advocating instead for an aggressive, win-oriented strategy from the start.

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When I took the job, as soon as the format of the tournament, as soon as I found that out, I said, okay, we have a clear objective, we want to win the group. Two years ago, everybody thought I was crazy, right? That prospect at the time wouldn't be possible, but this is where I expected us to be.

Marsch revealed he sought inspiration from former NBA star Steve Nash, who advised the Canadian squad on the importance of combining "tension and freedom." This, Marsch explained, involves maintaining discipline and focus while also playing with confidence and self-belief. The team is preparing to face Switzerland with the clear aim of securing a victory and extending their stay in Vancouver.

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I feel like the worst way to get the draw is to play for a draw. I think you have to go into the match and play for a win, and then in the later stages of the match you can use your substitutes and you can use tactics to now manage what you need out of the match.