‘I mean no disrespect’ – Canada coach Herdman admits ‘F Croatia’ statement could offend World Cup opponent

Canada head coach John Herdman has admitted comments aimed at Croatia after defeat to Belgium could be offensive, but stuck by his choice of words. 

​Herdman took aim at CroatiaAdmitted comments could’ve caused offenceInsists remarks key to Canada’s mentality

WHAT HAPPENED? Following a narrow defeat to Belgium in their World Cup opener, Canada were rightly frustrated and Herdman echoed that sentiment in his post-match interview. He insisted that they must go again and “F Croatia” in their next game, though, which took plenty of people by surprise. He’s since been asked about those comments by Croatian media.

WHAT HE SAID: “Great question. Yeah I did,” he confirmed, when asked if that was what he said by a Croatian reporter ahead of their second game on Sunday, adding: “I mean, you say those things in an impassioned moment trying to inspire your team in a huddle. And when you’re asked a question ‘What did you say that huddle?’ It’s what I said.

It’s not massively respectful to Croatian people and the Croatian national team. I understand very well where we’re at on the world stage, but in that moment you enter that next place you take your team to that next place that we’re here to be fearless and to bring everything we’ve got to that game.”

AND WHAT’S MORE: Herdman went further: “I mean no disrespect to the Croatian team and Croatian people, but at the end of the day it’s a mindset that Canada is going to have if we’re going to have three points against one of the top teams in the world.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Herdman’s side missed an early penalty as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Belgium in Group F, in what was their first appearance at the World Cup for 36 years. They created a glut of chances and had more than enough to win the game, but somehow left without a point at all.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT FOR CANADA? In the words of Herdman, it appears the plan is still to try and “F Croatia” when they face the 2018 finalists on Sunday.

 

 

Related Post
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Mavericks pick Cooper Flagg at No. 1 in 2025 NBA draft

Dallas Mavericks have bagged the services of forward Cooper Flagg with the first pick of… Read More

June 27, 2025

Nick Kyrgios predicts Carlos Alcaraz to have better career than Jannik Sinner

Nick Kyrgios has predicted that Carlos Alcaraz will have a better career than Jannik Sinner.… Read More

June 27, 2025

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City played like a good team after a long time

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola noted that his side played like a good team after… Read More

June 27, 2025

Aakash Chopra opens up on Jofra Archer’s return, says fast bowler can be a game-changer ahead of 2nd Test against India

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has noted that while Jofra Archer has been added… Read More

June 27, 2025

Michael Vaughan lauds Rishabh Pant, says there is a lot of science in his madness

Former England captain Michael Vaughan showered praise on Rishabh Pant after the opening Test match… Read More

June 27, 2025

Ajinkya Rahane picks India’s two best hundreds from ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane picked KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s centuries in the second innings… Read More

June 27, 2025