The harmony surrounding Canada hit a sour note this week and provided an unwanted distraction as the hosts prepare for a showdown with England today for a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals.
Coach John Herdman and his players have been forced to confront reports of poor team morale and dissent within the ranks following comments made by Christine Latham, a former member of the Canada national soccer team turned television analyst.
Latham reported prior to Canada’s match against Switzerland last Sunday that defender Carmelina Moscato told her morale was low and there were divisions within the squad over Herdman’s starting lineup.
Photo: The Canadian Press via AP
Herdman laughed off the report, captain Christine Sinclair maintained that team bonds were strong and Moscato said her comments had been misrepresented.
“Yeah, it’s terrible. It’s really terrible,” Herdman said sarcastically following training on Wednesday. “The girls are fighting each other. They hate each other. You see all the black eyes and the bloody noses.”
Herdman said he would be “amazed” if Moscato’s comments were true.
Photo: Reuters
“The player in question, she is one of our off-field leaders, she has got unbelievable integrity and to be questioning the calm, I’d be amazed if there’s any truth in that,” Herdman said.
Sinclair also denied any rifts and said it was the closest-knit team she had ever played on.
“I think some people are trying to create stories or fish for some stories,” Sinclair said. “This is the tightest team I have ever been part of, players and staff. The way we celebrate goals is the way we are on and off the field.”
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