Canadian women's national team coach Casey Stoney held nothing back in a passionate post-match press conference following Canada's 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, delivering one of the most candid and critical assessments of her team's performance to date.
'We were second best in every department,' Stoney stated bluntly, her frustration evident. 'The performance level wasn't good enough, the mentality wasn't good enough, and the execution certainly wasn't good enough.'
Complete Dominance by Dutch Side
The match saw the Netherlands control proceedings from the opening whistle, with Canada struggling to find their rhythm against the technically superior Dutch side. Despite brief moments of promise, the Canadian squad appeared outmatched throughout the contest.
'They were better than us in every single aspect of the game,' Stoney admitted. 'When you come up against a top team and you're not at your best, this is what happens. We have to be honest about that.'
Stoney's Demands for Improvement
The former Manchester United manager made it clear that she expects significant improvements from her squad moving forward. Her criticism wasn't limited to tactical execution but extended to the team's overall approach and attitude.
- Technical performance: Questioned the basic execution and decision-making
- Mental approach: Criticized the team's mentality and competitive edge
- Physical presence: Noted being outworked in key moments
- Collective responsibility: Emphasized everyone must be accountable
Looking Ahead: Lessons to Learn
While the loss stings, Stoney emphasized the importance of using this experience as a learning opportunity. The match against world-class opposition like the Netherlands provides valuable lessons about what it takes to compete at the highest level.
'We have to take this, learn from it, and be better,' Stoney concluded. 'There are no excuses at this level. We either step up or we get left behind.'
The Canadian squad now faces the challenge of regrouping and addressing the concerns raised by their coach as they continue their preparation for upcoming international competitions.
