Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has said he was unperturbed by his team’s misfiring attack ahead of the Copa America quarterfinal against Venezuela.
Les Rouges scored just once during the group stage – in a 1-0 win over Peru – and Marsch knows a more attack-minded approach will be needed against the Vinotinto on Friday.
“I know that the goals will come, partly because of the quality we have in attack and partly because we can be explosive enough and we have had very good opportunities,” Marsch told reporters on Thursday.
As a starting point, Marsch said his team would set out to dominate possession at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“And then in the final third our aim is to be a little more lethal, find ways to score goals, because we know that’s going to be important,” he added.
The 50-year-old American said he was aware that Canada had created a sense of expectation among fans at home.
“We hope to give the country more moments in which fans can really celebrate with the team,” he said. “We want the country to be behind us and to be proud of us.”
While Canada reached the last eight with one victory and a draw, Venezuela progressed by winning each of their group-stage matches against Ecuador, Mexico and Jamaica.
Marsch described Venezuela as an “incredibly balanced team” that had no obvious weaknesses.
“They are strong in all positions and they have clarity in their style of play,” the former Leeds United boss said.
“This is one of the best moments in their football history, as well as ours,” Marsch said. “There will be two teams that are going to do whatever is necessary to emerge victorious.”