Keito Nakamura, left, of Japan, scores a goal past Kamal Miller of Canada during a friendly soccer match in Niigata, northern Japan, on Friday.
With a home World Cup looming in 2026, Canada knows it has to test itself against elite opposition from outside CONCACAF. On Friday, the Canadian men were shown that such lessons can be painful.The Japanese, the top-ranked team in Asia at No. 19, were well-organized and led 3-0 at the break after pouncing on mistakes by No. 44 Canada. The Canadians had no answers for the Samurai Blue's speed and discipline.
Down 1-0, Canada had a chance to pull even in the 22nd minute only to see Osako stop David's penalty kick. David sent his shot down the middle of the goal and a diving Osako acrobatically got a foot to it.The game was Canada's first under Biello, a former assistant coach who was put in charge after John Herdman left to take over Toronto FC.
Three minutes later, Alistair Johnston lost the ball in midfield and Canada was swiftly punished as Nakamura, one pass later, turned and beat Borjan with a fine shot to make it 3-0.CANMNT interim head coach hoping to coach team at 2026 World CupCBC Sports’ Devin Heroux speaks to CANMNT interim head coach Mauro Biello about what he hopes he can bring to the job.
Canada sat out the FIFA September international window, with Canada Soccer pointing to "financial constraints" and its "inability to confirm an additional high-quality opponent." Borjan, earning his 78th cap, captained Canada behind a back three of Johnston, Derek Cornelius and Kamal Miller. The Canadians rallied and managed some time in possession but could not breach the Japan defence until the game was well out of hand.
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