Since its resurgence as a national team, Canada has been keen to play regularly against some of the best teams in the world. They were reminded to be careful what they wish for in Jesse Marsh's first game as Canada's new head coach.

A 4-0 loss to the Netherlands, seventh in the FIFA world rankings, gave the team plenty of room for optimism despite the big loss. Canada looked organized and disciplined under their new leadership in the first half, using powerful pressing and taking advantage of loose balls with renewed energy. They perhaps had more possession than they initially expected given the quality of the Dutch team.

However, Marsh's request from Canada to continue his style and performance attracted visitors. As cliché as it may sound, it was actually a story of two parts for Canada.

The Netherlands separated the Canadian press with clever transitions as the nascent Canadian sport and the pace of work in Canada slowed.

Too tired at the final whistle, Canada looked up and continued playing.

Their path won't get any easier when they face France on June 9 in a friendly before opening the Copa America against reigning world champions Argentina on June 20.

What was your first impression of Marsh?

If Marsh asked a lot of energy and intensity from his players, they responded in style from the start.

Marsh deployed a 4-2-2-2 formation, with Tajon Buchanan and Liam Millar coming from their usual positions for the Giants, occupying two number 10 roles. However, Buchanan and Jonathan David were interchangeable in their roles, as David also assumed the role of creative midfielder.

Marsh formed a new central defensive duo of Moise Bombito and Derek Cornelius. Looking at the positives for Canada, these two players equalized against the Netherlands. It’s difficult to see this duo playing in the Copa América.

Davies started at left back, a position Canada has barely played since the World Cup.

Dayne St. Clair usurped goalkeeper Maxime Crepo while waiting to start. But with St Clair in better form at the club, even with Crepo's experience, Marsh showed how important the club's final game is to his team.

Barely two minutes into the Netherlands' half, Cyle Larin shouted to his close teammates to continue, reminding us that Canada's tactical approach is new. Of course, David forced a Dutch turnover. A quick pass between David and Stephen Eustaquio sparked an early, optimistic run from David into the Dutchman's box.

As prepared as Marsh's attackers were for pressure, their defenders used their speed to recover quickly. Derek Cornelius cleared a Dutch chance off the line, which appeared to have snuffed out the home side's growing momentum.

However, the question Marsh will have to answer as he continues his first month in Canada is how he can get his players to maintain their energetic attitude for 90 minutes. Because Canada was dynamic and organized at the start of the first half, their pace slowed as the minutes passed.

To his credit, Marsh showed patience and example throughout the match, never showing a hint of frustration. He has a long way to go to turn this team around and he certainly knows it.

What is harming Canada?

Marsh urged his players to run more in practice than this week. It was an effort to make his players aware (literally) of his demands to improve the sport.

And yet, despite a quick and organized start to the second half, Canada slowed down significantly. Marsh's need for a more aggressive style of play is a work in progress for Canada, as the Netherlands easily outscored a sluggish Canadian team in the second half.

In the opposite half, old habits have returned to Canada. The same attackers who largely missed their goals at the World Cup struggled to make the most of their opportunities. Canada's best chance came from Larin in the 45th minute before his shot went wide.

They only managed two shots on goal the entire match, including one from distance at the end. Perhaps it is time to return to goalkeeping training in this international window.

Ultimately, Alistair Johnston was beaten several times and failed to get past Memphis Depay in the 50th minute for the Dutch striker. There's no doubt about Johnston's place in the starting lineup, but he needs to show more athleticism and better shooting to advance. The Dutch targeted Johnston's right side more as the match progressed. He left the match in the 56th minute due to an obvious injury.

What was Alphonso Davies like for the first time as Canada captain?

In his 46th cap for his country, the best Canadian player wore the armband for the first time. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day and Canada's role in the liberation of the Netherlands, all Canadians also wore scarves adorned with poppies.

Davies looked impressive and vocal on the pitch. Davies has long been seen as a player who prefers to stay behind the scenes and not use his voice for his club or country.

“Normally, I'm not the one who acts on the team. I just say, 'Come on guys,' but in this way he definitely takes me out of my comfort zone,” Davis said of Marsh.

And as brief as it was, Davis' teammates saw a change in him during this international window.

“He definitely puts more weight on his shoulders, which is always difficult,” Canadian winger Jacob Schaffelburg said. Athletic. “But it’s great to see him accomplish so much for us because he’s a great player and a great person.”

Is Dayne St.? A new start at Clair Canada?

Over the years, Crepo established himself as the best goalkeeper in MLS and Canada's future goalkeeper, while veteran captain Milan Borjan was the team's mainstay.

Crepo was then expected to take over starting duties and Borjan's time with the national team would apparently end in 2023. But Marsh's most notable decision in his first starting lineup was starting Dane St. Clair in the middle of a good season. for Minnesota United.

St Clair probably had a clearer shot than Crépeau, with Frimpong's quick strike in the 42nd minute from just outside the penalty area followed by another save when Brian Bobby was just wide of goal on the counter -attack. who seemed to support Marsh's choice. We're talking about the kind of quick thinking we haven't seen from a Canadian goaltender in years.

However, Georginio Wijnaldum's St. Clair goal before the Netherlands' third goal also raises a bigger question: how much St. Clair will have to learn in the short term to secure a top spot in the Copa America?

What's next for Holland?

Monday June 10: Iceland (H), friendly, 7:45 p.m. BST, 2:45 p.m. ET

The Netherlands completed their preparation for Euro 2024 at home against Iceland. A good result will give momentum and confidence to Koeman's side ahead of their first match of the tournament against Poland on June 16.

What's next for Canada?

Sunday June 9: France (A), friendly, 8:15 p.m. BST, 3:15 p.m. ET

What better way for Canada to prepare to face world champions Argentina in their Copa America group than with the team that took them to penalties in the 2022 final, France. Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé: the list of stars at his disposal could grow. This will be a tough test for Marsh and his team.

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(Top photo: Alex Gottschalk/Getty Images)