Plus, TFC goes searching for three points in NYC, and choice matches for the upcoming days.

I’m away for a soccer tournament with my daughter’s team this weekend, so we’re keeping this one short and sweet. That’s the way you like it anyways.

Thursday sucked in our household as both Italia and Canada lost their matches to opponents they could have (in Canada’s case should have) beaten.

The Azzurri fell 2-1 at home in the first leg of their UEFA quarter-final tie with Germany.

Meanwhile, Les Rouges were clearly better than Mexico in their 2-0 Concacaf loss, but a combination of poor officiating (really, that was a penalty kick in the first half) and not being clinical in the final third cost them.

Unfortunately, for Canada they were in a one-and-done situation, so they’ll be facing the U.S. (who lost a 1-0 heartbreaker to Panama on Thursday) in the third place match.

Though these results normally would impact World Cup qualification, the three host nations (Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.) are automatically qualified. That makes their match on Sunday all about pride and momentum.

I would recommend putting Cyle Larin on the bench and starting with two players with the last name David – Jonathan and Promise (no relation). Larin has lost his scoring touch, while David and David have not: it’s time to put loyalty and nostalgia where they belong – in the past.

In Italia’s case, they travel to Germany and need to at least match their host’s first-leg result to have a shot at advancing. If they fail to score two goals, Italia will be eliminated from this tournament and will turn their focus to World Cup qualifying.

The German’s were deserving of their first-leg victory, but some adjustments in the attacking third by Italian coach Luciano Spalletti will provide a boost.

Unfortunately, Mateo Retegui isn’t available as he picked up a knocked and returned to his club Atalanta for assessment. The phenomenal and clinical striker was missed in leg 1 and will be missed again in the second leg. He already has 22 goals in 27 Serie A matches, plus another three goals in ten Champions League matches.

Someone will have to pick up the slack. Moises Kean needs to start again as his speed and physicality caused issues for the solid German defenders. However, why not start Luciano Lucca beside him?

It’s obvious Giacomo Raspadori isn’t going to be impactful against the Germans. So, having two powerful strikers/forwards like Kean and Lucca together is the best option.

Or switch up to a 3-2-3-1 formation with Kean up top and adding Cesare Casadei as an attacking midfielder behind him. Then put the two top-talent midfielders – Nicola Barella and Sandro Tonali (who scored the lone Italia goal in leg 1) – as defensive midfielders.

The rest of the positions can go to the regularly scheduled players. Just a few thoughts on those situations.

Other results in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final first legs saw Croatia stun France 2-0, Denmark topped Portugal 1-0, and the Netherlands drew 2-2 with Spain.

Congrats Japan!

Japan became the first team to join the three hosts for the 2026 World Cup through their results in the Asian Football Confederation qualifying campaign.

Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday in front of their supporters to book their spot to North America.

Toronto FC in NYC

Okay, I was at the home opener as noted in last week’s Match Day Reflections column, and I saw some positive moments.

Not going to be all Robin Fraser with my “the sky’s the limit” optimism, but there are things to build on.

NY Red Bulls (1-1-2) are not the same team that has had the Reds (0-3-1) number over the years, and an away draw or even all three points is a possibility. I like the Toronto FC attack these days and with some better defending, this season can still turn around.

The match goes today (Saturday, March 22) at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on Apple TV MLS Season Pass.

Upcoming Matches to Check Out

Obviously the Toronto FC-New York Red Bulls match is one, but also the Canada-US third place match on Sunday, March 23 at 7 p.m. (FuboTV Canada).

All the UEFA Nations League Leg 2 matches take place on March 23 at 3:45 p.m. (DAZN Canada). It’s really about who you support at this point, however neutral fans will probably want to see Germany-Italia above the rest as it should feature lots of goals and is a historic rivalry.

That’s it for me this week! Don’t forget to support by subscribing, offering a small financial contribution and/or picking up a piece of merch!

Ciao for Now!