But don’t expect Osorio and his teammates to be intimidated when entering Canada’s first World Cup experience since 1986, this trip snapping a 36-year absence from the world’s biggest soccer spectacle.
Their whole qualifying journey began in March 2021 and extended nearly two dozen matches, stretching from first-round tests vs. the likes of Aruba and Bermuda through taking eight of 12 points (home wins, road draws) from regional powerhouses Mexico and the United States.
“Now, looking forward, it just gives us belief that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to,” Osorio said. “Going into this World Cup, I know people from the outside see our group and don’t give us the best of chances. But with us within, within the team and the group, we know we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.”
