The Tactics

Canada’s main tactical concern is finding consistency, both on the field and in personnel. Eight managers have come and gone since the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup victory. Despite its Gold Cup success in 2007 and 2009 under the direction of Stephen Hart, the squad failed to advance past the group stage in 2011. Canada's main struggles lie in its inability to establish defensive togetherness and attacking prowess in front of goal, even though its roster features exciting players in the midfield, like Johnson and 20-year-old Lucas Cavallini.

Canada has been poor in its latest international contests, most recently suffering a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica on May 28. Group A presents an interesting challenge for Canada—a team that, on paper, seems to have the tools to succeed—as it seeks to take advantage of inexperienced Martinique, and Mexico and Panama sides that are struggling as of late.