But, by making no secret of Canada’s intentions, we’re the first country in CONCACAF to plant our flag. And that’s important.

The incoming Canadian head coach Benito Floro, along with his son/assistant coach, was in attendance at Pasadena's Rose Bowl on Sunday and one can only wonder what’s going through his mind after seeing his team outplayed and, thanks to a last-second wonder strike, beaten by tiny Martinique 1-0 in the Gold Cup curtain-raiser.

"Football is the same in Canada, Japan, Europe. What happens on the pitch is the same in all countries," Floro said. "For me [football is being] able to play anywhere, in any condition."

What Miller does now is that Martinique recently beat the Portland Timbers U-23 side by a 2-1 count, and that it is a good technical side. Steve Gustan and Stephane Abaul scored for Martinique against Portland’s youth side. Abaul plays for one of Martinique’s most recognized teams, Club Franciscain.

As Attakora is recovering from a concussion, he won’t have to report to the Canadian camp in Oxnard, Calif. immediately after this weekend’s MLS matches. Miller said that Attakora will remain with the Quakes for an extra week.

Canadian national-team coach Colin Miller hasn’t quite closed the door on midfielder Atiba Hutchinson playing for his country at the upcoming Gold Cup.

“It would be easy for me to say he’s made a foolish mistake, but I will leave it at that,” said Miller. The coach said Canadian supporters need to remember that Cavallini is “still a young boy” and shouldn’t be vilified for saying no.

“We are in a situation where the player hasn’t committed either way, to play for Canada or to play for Scotland. If Fraser opts to play for Scotland, that’s fine, we wish him the best of luck. But, looking at the best interests of our national team, we have made a formal approach to Rangers and the player.”

On Wednesday, on the road in Paderborn against another elite national team, the Germans, the Canadians lost 1-0. But even though the scoreline was less severe, it was a more sobering reality check than the match against the U.S.

The FC Edmonton coach was granted permission by the Eddies to steer the Canadian national team through the July tourney. The fact that the NASL schedule goes on hiatus in July allowed Miller the time needed to prepare and coach the squad.