By Canadian Press

Canada coach John Herdman disputes Croatian counterpart’s handshake take

Nov 30, 2022 | 8:11 AM

DOHA, Qatar — Canada coach John Herdman is disputing his Croatian counterpart’s account of why there was no handshake after their World Cup game.

Herdman had antagonized the Croatian camp with a heated post-game message to his players after Canada’s opening 1-0 loss to Belgium at the soccer showcase. Asked in a pitch-side interview what he had said in a post-game huddle to his players, Herdman replied: “I told them they belong here and we’re going to go and eff— Croatia. That’s as simple as it gets.”

That prompted a stern lecture from Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic on the need for respect. And after Croatia beat the Canadians 4-1 Sunday, Dalic was asked if he had a chance to shake hands with Herdman following the final whistle.

“I did not see the other head coach after the match,” he said through an interpreter. “When I lose … I always congratulate the winner. He was not there and that’s his way of doing things. He’s obviously mad. He is a good coach. He is a high-quality professional. But it will take some time for him to learn some things.”

Herdman, whose post-game news conference preceded Dalic’s on Sunday, disputed that account Wednesday when asked about it.

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“Look, we shook hands before the game. So that happened,” he said. “At the end of the game, the usual process — no different than (with Belgium coach) Roberto Martinez. You shake hands with the coach, then you go shake hands with the referee.

“When I turned round, (Dalic) was already off down the touchline, which is his right to do. He’s celebrating. He’s just beaten Canada. It was a big celebration for him. He was off and I couldn’t get to shake his hand. I went into the field, shook the ref’s hand, shook players’ hands. And didn’t get to see him.

“That moment’s gone. We’re into process now — team huddle, see your fans, flash interviews, calm yourself down so you don’t say anything and move on.”

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 30, 2022

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press