Lenarduzzi discusses Canada's World Cup success
Q & A with Whitecaps' Bob Lenarduzzi
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Canada has seen a great rise in the women's game with its historic victory over China in the 2003 Women's World Cup Quarterfinals Thursday night. USLsoccer.com discussed the nation's development and the roles the W-League and WUSA have played with Bob Lenarduzzi, one of Canada's leading figures in the sport.
Sixteen of the 20-player squad are current/former W-Leaguers; how important of a role has the W-League played in the team's success in this World Cup?
It goes without saying that the W-League has had an impact and with each year I'm finding that the caliber of play is improving. When I look at the opportunities that are available for female players outside of the WUSA, there are a lot of players in the W-League that could be playing in the WUSA. The WUSA has provided a vehicle for top players, while the W-League provides a broadened base. The existence of the W-League has definitely had an impact on the Canadian team.
All three Canadian W-League teams were founded in the last four years; is there a direct correlation between that and the Canadian National Team's recent rise?
Yes, having the Canadian franchises has been extremely important. You look at the success that Ottawa had last year, particularly Swiatek. It's very, very beneficial for our national teams program for the players to play at a premier level.
With young players like the Whitecaps' Kara Lang playing in the W-League; what do you think the future holds for Canada?
I think its going to get better and better. Part of the problem we've had, with this being a Women's World Cup year, is our team didn't quite have the access to those players due to their international commitments. But outside of World Cup and Olympic years, it is important they play in the W-League. The W-League provides a good standard of play for the young players like Andrews, Timko and Lang. If they didn't have the W-League available I wouldn't know what their options would be, but those players certainly wouldn't be as good.
What is the biggest surprise with the Canadian squad in the tournament to you?
The fact that the coach has been able to deal with the number of injuries in the back. It was obvious Thursday night that the people in the back have stepped up, particularly Charmaine Hooper. Then an injury to Isabelle Morneau, and they were putting on Silvana Burtini, another forward at the back. Charmaine has led by example. I thought she was outstanding Thursday night.
Has the W-League been important to the team's depth?
Players playing has to benefit players. Without the W-League you would have to create a program to keep the players playing during the summer months.
How do you think Canada will do against Sweden and, possibly, the US or Germany?
I had said prior to the China game that China, on paper, were the favorites but felt that they were even based on both team's group play. I don't think anything changes with Sweden. It will probably be a more comparable style of play. The team with the greater willingness to battle will win as it will be a 50-50 game again.
If Canada gets to the final, you'd have to feel that, if it's Germany - I feel Germany has been the best team of the tournament thus far and is in a groove - it would be an opportunity to go in without any pressure. The Americans have dominated Canada since the two started playing, but we've closed the gap a little bit. Going in as the underdog, you can't lose and when your in a one-off anything can happen.
Is everything from this point on extra?
It's all gravy now, that's another reason why there a good chance for success for Canada. The expectations are low. The team can play loose and hopefully enjoy the tournament. Beyond the tournament, the core of the team is young and they should stick together so it bodes well for the future for Canada.
What would a US-Canada final mean for the women's game in North America?
The Americans are regarded as one of the top teams in the sport and Canada hasn't been. It would be an indicator that the game is developing not only in America but in Canada as well. In fact, I would say the play in whole in the tournament is a notch up. The world rankings would obviously change and move Canada up. A US-Canada final would be a great reflection on women's soccer in North America.
Would you rank the Quarterfinal win as Canada's greatest in men's and women's soccer history?
You probably would. I would think prior to Thursday night, the biggest victory would have been in 1985 when we (Men's National Team) beat Honduras (2-1 in St. Johns, Newfoundland) and qualified for the World Cup. Certainly getting to the semifinals for the women has to be the crowning achievement.
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