Canadian Soccer Coach Suggests “Highly Illegal Tactics” By Americans

Canadian Women’s Soccer Coach Unhappy with American Tactics

On Aug. 5, while speaking during an Olympic women’s soccer news conference, John Herdman, head coach of the Canadian women’s soccer team, had harsh words for the American women’s team, including accusations of “highly illegal tactics.” Herdman’s frustration with the American team centered around his perceptions of “illegal marking in the box on their corners and free kicks…Some of the blocking tactics, which are highly illegal…”

While it remained unclear if Herdman’s remarks were motivated by a losing streak against the Americans, with Canada’s record of 0-22-4 since 2001, he vowed to take his beef with the American team to game officials before the semifinals on Monday.

In addition to alerting game officials and keeping a watchful eye on the Americans, Herdman plans to prepare his team for what he views as unethical conduct on the part of the competition.

“we’ll keep an eye on them in the game…We’ve starting working on that in training without trying to injure our players.”

During his well-composed tirade against the American team, Herdman spared no tact when he acknowledged the American’s strategy, “Obviously they’re trying to free up a key player, but in a very illegal way…The U.S., it’s what they do well.”

“The Olympics is all about people trying to set personal bests and breaking world records, and I think for this group of players, that’s what they’re dreaming about,” Herdman said. “I think the Olympics is one of those special occasions where things do happen, especially in these tournament formats. … This is what we’re trying to say, you know: ‘Dare to dream.’ You’ve got to be able to get out there and see something, see a bigger vision than normal people can see.”