By Al Clark
al@canucks-abroad.com

Eddy Sidra - Debutant: Source: CSAThe encouraging 1:0 win in Cyprus came as a pleasant surprise to many after a couple of years in the Mitchell-"inspired" doldrums. Many were resigned to "another Estonia". Bottom line is that expectations were low, especially after the disastrous WCQ campaign.

The reinstatement of Stephen Hart, who had a year in charge under the same interim tag prior to Mitchell taking over, has given the team, players and fans fresh hope that the national team can finally start to find some way to fulfill it's obvious potential. Gone is the 4-5-1, at least as the only option, after Hart fielded a 4-4-2 in Larnaca.

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Hart also called in a number of younger and unheralded players; Dominic Imhoff was no doubt the biggest eye-opener, but the other late call, to Sidra, was also unexpected. With just one U20 cap from earlier this year to his name, few would have expected the young full back who currently plays for Energie Cottbus' reserve side in the German IVth tier to have made the trip to Cyprus. Born in Khartoum, Sudan, Sidra not only received the call, but the start in Hart's first line up. "I knew Paul [Stalteri] couldn’t play but I also thought there would be others to fill the spot." He didn't see it coming, "Well I found out I was starting when he put the line up on the screen. When I found out I was excited and nervous, I just wanted to get the game going."

Wearing #14, Sidra not only started the game - which also featured debuts from the bench for Tyler Hemming and Dominic Imhoff - but he went the full 90 in a shutout win. Canada doesn't often win on the road, but to go to an improved Cyprus side and win by the same one goal margin as the reigning World Cup Champions Italy did just last August certainly makes this a credible result. So, how did Eddy think he did? “I thought I did O.K; there were times where I made mistakes that were pretty obvious because of [my] lack of experience at that level. Overall I thought I held my own for the most part”.

When CA asked about what his international future might hold, and whether he thought his solid debut might translate into a Gold Cup place he was realistic, “I would love to go back and play again and get rid of every mistake but what can you do. As for gold cup i really couldn’t say. I wouldn’t think so.”
Having played some right midfield for his club side, where does Sidra see his future on the pitch? “That’s tough to say because since my injury I’ve been playing right mid with my club and i love taking people one on one, but right back is my trade so to say. It’s tough but I would have to say right back.” To be fair, a little flexibility never hurts any player, and the ability to play multiple roles is certainly an asset. We’ve seen that with Jaime Peters too, who returning to the CMNT line up after regaining his form playing at right back under new Ipswich Town boss, Roy Keane. He played on the right of midfield on Saturday, but it’s young, versatile and talented players like these that hold the key to Canada’s future success.

And what round up would be complete without a shout out to Simeon Jackson, who certainly enjoyed a great week; the winning goal in the playoff final for his club side, Gillingham; a call up to just his 2nd MNT camp; and then a first goal for the young striker to beat Cyprus.

Sidra summed up the week in Cyprus pretty well, “I think Hart was pleased with the camp, wasn’t the normal squad but it was still pretty successful.” A shut out win, some fresh blood and ideas on the pitch. I’d say that’s pretty successful too.