Canada is in the final for the first time in 36 years at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Big deal for Super League player Liam Miller as well.
Something historic happened in Toronto this year on March 27th. With a 4–0 victory over Jamaica, Canada qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 36 years and only the second time ever. In the middle of the cheering cluster: Liam Miller.
The Basel winger has been part of the extended group since his national team debut four and a half years ago. He watched the match against Jamaica for 90 minutes from the bench. In Canada’s successful World Cup campaign, the 23-year-old made four appearances (207 minutes in total).
“I’m a substitute for Canada. OK for me. I’m still young and I can still improve,” says Miller, for whom the nomination to the 26-strong World Cup squad was a dream come true Is.
We have nothing to lose in Qatar and we want to upset the other teams.
In his second season at Basel, Miller is still finding his nose for goals. He has not scored in 14 matches for Sri Lanka. The Canadian scored 7 league goals last season. And even with the national team, Miller still has zero goals after a total of 16 appearances. Surely it would be the biggest thing for him if the ball landed in the goal at all places in Qatar.
Miller attests to his team’s ability to spring surprises in a group with Belgium, Croatia and Morocco. “We have nothing to lose in Qatar and we want to upset other teams. Of course we want to make progress, but we are not expected to,” Miller analyzed Canada’s starting position.
In a first World Cup final in 36 years, England coach John Herdman’s men will be looking to shine with attacking, ball-oriented football. Miller also calls Canada’s style of play “unique”.
36 turns 4
Miller will be surprised if he moves from a reserve role to the finals. But he doesn’t argue with it. He says: “The team is most important to me. I want to play the role the coach gives me as well as possible. It doesn’t matter whether I play from the start, am a substitute or don’t play at all.”
One thing is clear: in Canada, after the World Cup in Qatar, they will not have to wait another 36 years for the next final. Because the 2026 tournament will be hosted by Mexico, America and Canada. This means that the team around Bayern star player Alphonso Davies automatically qualifies as co-hosts. Miller said, “It will be a great honor to be playing in front of our own fans in four years.”
Devoted web advocate. Bacon scholar. Internet lover. Passionate twitteraholic. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Lifelong beer fanatic.
