Will the 2023 World Cup mark the return of the Canada at the forefront on the international scene? Only the truth on the ground will tell us in the coming weeks, but on paper it is in any case certain that the North American selection presents this year one of the best squads in its history, perhaps even the best. After crossing the desert on the international scene that has lasted almost 25 years (no qualification for the Olympic Games since 2000 and never better than 13th place in the World Cup in 2002), today’s Canadian representatives inevitably hope to be those who will restore dignity to their nation.
” I think our thinking is, ‘Let’s do something unique. All together’ “, thus explains Nickeil Alexander Walker about the current Canadian group, committed in 2021 with their federation for a three-year cycle, until the Olympic Games in Paris. ” It was time we considered the national team as something important. And many guys are fully into the project. »
Culture and solidarity in watchwords
For the first time in (too) a long time, Canada is therefore finally going about it in the right way to prepare for its future deadlines: by betting on the continuity of a group, like France or especially Spain, no doubt the most consistent nation in the world in terms of results and medals won over the years.
” There is a culture that we are starting to build, and I think that culture explains the commitment of [plusieurs gros noms]. And that’s the recipe for the best teams. Especially in Europe, the best teams are those that have been playing together for a long time “, also noted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earlier this month. ” We are capable of accomplishing great things, it is up to us to decide how much. There is no doubt that our group is talented enough [pour gagner la Coupe du monde]. Now it’s up to us to act as a team. If so, we will be fine. »
On his side, RJ Barrett appreciates finally joining forces with those of his compatriots under the Canadian tunic, after several years of simply crossing them on the NBA boards during the season. Especially those who are of the same generation as him, such as the Alexander cousins or even Dillon Brooks And Lu sleeps.
” We’ve known each other since we were kids. It’s like a family. We meet during the year [en NBA], for the majority. But to be together here is a good thing. “, declares indeed the winger of the Knicks, among the strong men of the preparation of Canada these last days.
A rather convincing preparation for Jordi Fernandez and his men, winners in particular of Germany and Spain. Enough to justify the impression left when the selection was announced: Canada finally seems capable of aiming for a medal in an international competition.
Photo credit: Canada Basketball
