Canada has no reason to fear Mexico

The day when Canada will face the Gold Cup favorites has come, with Mexico arriving as the top CONCACAF nation in the FIFA world raking 60 spots above the Maple leaf squad, besides having clear dominance in the tournament with seven trophies.

However, and despite Mexico's better record over the Canadian team, Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC midfielder, believes there's no reason to fear the Mexican side, when they go head to head this Wednesday night at Denver, Colorado.

"I think we shouldn't fear any team. If you fear any team, you're at an immediate disadvantage. We can't fear Mexico. We have to respect them; respect them, yes. Historically, they have the number on us, but things have changed, and we're developing better players and catching up, so if anybody has to be a little fearful maybe it should be Mexico," Osorio told Sportsnet.

And the forward comments from Osorio might have something to do with Canada's debut in the tournament as they beat 4-0 Martinique, also the fact that since John Herdman took charge as Canada's coach, the Reds have a perfect 6-0-0 record conceding just one goal.

"I think the biggest thing John has done is that he's put in a culture of togetherness. He's given us a vision and a togetherness, a real clarity in everything we do. A clarity of what we want, how we work for it, tactically, and our team identity. Having that clarity has helped a lot to improve things."

Canada arrives at this Gold Cup with newfound confidence, with players like Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, or Scott Arfield, and Jonathan Osorio who give the Maple Leaf team stability and strength to take on Mexico, the biggest challenge Canada will face in the Herdman era so far.