Kouadio starred in his side’s defeat to hosts Brazil
Canada goalkeeper names Marc-Andre ter Stegen as his role model
Canadians face Angola on Tuesday in Group A
Anyone who saw Canada play their opening match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™ will have been struck by the performance of one of their players in particular. Despite his side’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of tournament hosts Brazil in Brasilia, goalkeeper Marc Kouadio came out of the experience with his reputation enhanced.
In pulling off a string of superlative stops and denying the Brazilians from close range time and again, he prevented his side from going down to an even heavier defeat. Kouadio and his team-mates are now intent on bouncing back in their next match in Group A, when they return to the Estadio Bezerrao on Tuesday to take on Angola.
“I’m happy with my performance, although losing does leave a bitter taste in the mouth,” Kouadio told FIFA.com. “Even so, I’m very happy I was able to help the team. It was a great experience to play Brazil. We fought hard but it was tough. We’re going to keep on fighting in our next two games.”
Role model
Following his fine display against Brazil, the Canadian No1 revealed that he takes inspiration from one of the world’s leading players in his position: Germany international Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona’s first-choice keeper
“I enjoy watching Ter Stegen,” said Kouadio. “I try to catch all his games so I can see his strong points, like how he gets down to save shots.”
Did you know?
Marc-Andre ter Stegen participated in the 2009 U-17 World Cup. Germany were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Switzerland, who went on to win the tournament.
Montreal roots
Marc Wilhem Anderson Kouadio, to give the Canucks keeper his full name, was born in Montreal and he inherited his passion for football from his parents, as well as his love for Didier Drogba. Marc had the chance to watch Drogba live when the Côte d’Ivoire legend played for the Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer.
Kouadio will be hoping his role models can bring him further inspiration at Brazil 2019, starting with that Tuesday showdown against Angola. The Canadians will need their forwards to fire if they are to kick-start their campaign, though Kouadio is ready to do his bit again between the posts if need be: “I’m delighted to be here at this World Cup and to show what I can do.”