Ecuador: Canada's scoring headache and US tariffs – What's the deal?

Canada's 0-0 Ecuador Draw: Proof That Offense Is Officially DOA?

Alright, let's get one thing straight: another 0-0 draw? Against Ecuador? Are you kidding me? I'm not saying Ecuador is a bunch of scrubs, but if Canada wants to be taken seriously on the world stage, they need to, you know, actually SCORE.

Zero Goals, Zero Hope?

This isn't just a blip, folks. The article says Canada has played three games in a row without scoring. THREE. Against Australia, Colombia, and now Ecuador. Those are the kinds of teams Canada will play in the World Cup. And if they can't find the back of the net against them, what makes anyone think they'll suddenly turn into Brazil overnight?

The Athletic article says it's "officially time to worry about Canada's lack of goals." Officially? Give me a break. I was worried weeks ago. I mean, what's the point of a "resolute defensive effort" if you can't capitalize on it? It's like building a fortress with no cannons. According to Shorthanded Canada show "savviness" in Ecuador stalemate, the team showed "savviness" despite the tie.

And don't even get me started on Jonathan David. A high-profile move to Juventus, and he hasn't scored since August? The article delicately suggests his lack of playing time is "impacting his play." Translation: he's rusty as hell. And that's a problem, because apparently, Marsch "relies on the forward."

Offcourse, even if David suddenly finds his form, is that really the solution? A team shouldn't be that dependent on one guy.

Down a Man, Still No Spark

Okay, so Ali Ahmed gets a red card in the sixth minute. A questionable one, sure, but still. Down to 10 men for almost the entire game. And what does Canada do? They "spin it into a positive with continued resolute defending."

Resolute defending is great and all, but it doesn't win games. It prevents you from losing games. There's a difference.

The article praises Laryea's "spirit and his ability to dictate the tempo of games with his physicality." He literally pushed an Ecuador midfielder out of the way and laughed about it. Real cute. But will a World Cup referee find that so funny? I doubt it.

Speaking of referees, how about that call on Ahmed? A high boot, sure, but a straight red? Seems a bit harsh for a friendly, no? Then again, maybe that's the point. As the article says, some of Canada's players "lack World Cup experience and they need to learn, pronto, that these kinds of fouls could change the course of a short tournament." Canada scoring headache comes into focus after 0-0 Ecuador draw also highlights the team's offensive struggles.

A short tournament that they'll probably get bounced from in the group stage if they can't score a damn goal.

Center Backs and World Cup Locks

Apparently, Alfie Jones couldn't complete his citizenship oath, so he was out. Which meant Miller and Waterman got a chance to audition for a World Cup spot. Waterman "covered ground well" and Miller "looked responsible enough."

Wow. High praise indeed.

Laryea, Eustáquio, and St. Clair are apparently "World Cup locks" after this game. Laryea was "all over the pitch," Eustáquio "acted as both a creator and a shut down player," and St. Clair "looked confident."

Look, I'm not saying these guys are bad players. But are we seriously handing out World Cup roster spots based on a 0-0 draw against Ecuador? The bar seems pretty low, no?

So, What's the Endgame Here?

Canada can defend all they want, but if they can't put the ball in the back of the net, they're going nowhere. This team needs a serious offensive overhaul, and fast. Otherwise, they're just going to be another feel-good story that ends in disappointment. I hope I'm wrong. I really do. But right now, it's not looking good, folks. Not good at all.