Canada on precipice of history in Concacaf Nations League

Some eyebrows were raised when Davies wasn’t named in the starting lineup. Then again, it’s been nearly two months since Davies last played a competitive match (hamstring injury) and Herdman did allude to rotation playing a role during the Nations League Finals.

“Squad rotation is critical,” said Herdman before the game. “With the tight turnaround with only two days in between, there are some players that can’t go back-to-back. That’s a reality, so we’ll manage that. I’ll trust the rotation plan we have in place, but typically that goes out the window after the first 90 minutes.”

Eventually, Davies entered in the 62nd minute and converted the second goal. Alistair Johnston – who recently returned from an ankle injury in late May – was withdrawn for Scott Kennedy after 69 minutes while Tajon Buchanan, another player who suffered a knock in the spring, exited in the 62nd.

After a long, grueling European season, Canada are proceeding with caution and that could serve them well in Sunday’s final.