'An important step for this country': Coach Herdman reacts to Canada's victory over Panama

John Herdman speaks to the media following Canada's World Cup Qualifying win over Panama and discusses just how important making the World Cup is to the players and that his team will do whatever it takes to get there.

It was a "where were you?" sports moment.

A turning point for soccer in Canada.

Twenty-four hours later, Canadian sports fans are still buzzing after the Canadian men's national soccer team defeated Panama 4-1 at BMO Field in Toronto. With the critical three points, Canada moves into third place in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying standings, in a position to secure a spot for Qatar in 2022.

John Herdman, Canada's head coach, joined Ben Ennis and Stephen Brunt on The FAN Drive Time to discuss what he was feeling watching the game unfold from the sidelines:

"A bit of everything," Herdman said. "It was like a scene from a movie at times. I never had a better night in football. It was special."

Herdman wasn't worried when Canada conceded a goal in the fifth minute of the match. Their aggressive style of play, coupled with having talented goal scorers Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan, allows the Canadians to get back into matches.

Wednesday night was no exception.

"We can risk more with the way we play," Herdman said. "No matter if we go down, we are coming back."

In the second half, game tied at one, Canada scored three goals, sealing the win. But it was Davies' goal in the 66th minute that showcased the youngster's stellar effort -- running 80 yards from end to end at a clipping speed of 37.1 kilometres per hour to score. The performance earned a text from Canadian rapper Drake, further cementing Davies as one of Canada's best athletes.

"Phonzie’s goal was a scene out of the matrix," Herdman said. "He hit that speed. He gained ground like a cheetah or a gazelle. What he did on the sideline, I was like 'What’s he done?' In the box, I expected him to pass the ball. To get his hips around to execute the finish. I was like 'Is this real?' I was in a complete trance."

After two days off, Herdman says he and the coaching staff will get back to work, "from 5:30 in the morning to 9 p.m. at night," monitoring the players as they return back to their clubs. The preparation begins for the next two matches in Edmonton -- Nov. 12 against Costa Rica, followed by Mexico on Nov. 16.

What Canada's accomplished in this World Cup Qualifying -- going unbeaten, defeating Panama in convincing fashion at home -- is nothing short of significant. As Herdman states, the squad is gaining confidence with every match, stemming from their performance at the Gold Cup.

"It was an important step for the country," Herdman said of Canada's win over Panama. "We had some big steps in the Gold Cup. Everyone had looked at this team and thought, 'It was an Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David team.' We went into the Gold Cup and beat Costa Rica with arguably people have said (were) not a strong squad. No Jonathan, No Phonzie. We took a massive step in that Gold Cup. That was the turning point for this team. Those guys that weren't there, they built a new level of respect for the guys that were. And the guys that were there, built a level of belief that they could do it without them. That combination led us to where we were last night.

"The difference last night? We had 27,000 Canadians enjoy that moment."

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