September 4, 2015 Canada vs Belize World Cup qualifier post game press conference held at BMO Field in Toronto.


Belize assistant coach Charlie Slusher answers questions. (that's me asking him the first set of questions!)

MP3 File...Charlie Slusher answers questions after the game.

The post game press conference started with Belize assistant coach Charlie Slusher answering my question about the country even hosting a home game after letting Canada host both ends when they last met in 2004. The country now has a FIFA approved stadium thanks to CONCACAF funding (I bet they were supporters of Jack Warner right til the end). He said they played 'too defensively' but would be better in Belize as they'll be more confident playing in front of their home fans (3000 seat stadium). He was not satisfied with the result and said the team did not play well...mental lapses led to the 90th minute goal. Injuries played a big role in the last two goals as they had players being treated at the time. He gave the Canadian team credit for being determined and pressing for more goals.


Canadian head coach Benito Floro answers questions.

MP3 File...Benito Floro answers questions after the game.

Canadian coach Benito Floro and his translator were next. He started by thanking the BMO Field groundscrew for keep a good ground. He said about the Canadian performance that it's the first time any of his teams have not allowed a single shot on net. His players made good crosses but they have to shoot on target. The team played perfect control he said and they obtained a good result. He answered that Julian de Guzman had a calf injury. Was he happy with the three goals? Yes but not enough to relax. They have to work a lot and press. Belize has four good players they have to mark and he wants Canada to score another 1 or 2 goals to make it more comfortable. Tactics in tonight's game? We put in a combined attack of crossing into the penalty area. If Belize is weak why use the wings? Nothing wrong with that! Was it hard to break Belize down with eleven guys behind the ball near the end? True they defended compact in the box but our problem was we couldn't score goals. Past Belize what will other opponents think of Canada? We must pass Belize first. Mexico is the best of the group but other teams are good including us...it is very important to show we are capable.

Below are comments from Canadian player in the hallway.

Hallway interviews were next with players Tosaint Ricketts, Nik Ledgerwood, Izzy Nakajima-Ferran, and Atiba Hutchinson being made available. Some of them can be a struggle to hear with all the background noise but my long arms put my recorders inches from their face but here they are:


Canadian forward Tosaint Ricketts answers questions after the game.

MP3 File...Tosaint Ricketts answers questions after the game.


Canadian defender Nik Ledgerwood answers questions after the game.

MP3 File...Nik Ledgerwood answers questions after the game.


Canadian forward Issey Nakajima-Farran answers questions after the game.

MP3 File...Issey Nakajima-Farran answers questions after the game.


Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson answers questions after the game.

MP3 File...Atiba Hutchinson answers questions after the game.

back to International games menu

.

.