Marsch shrugs off 'big talk' before USA face Canada in St Paul

Canada manager Jesse Marsch has dismissed American political noise as "big talk" on the eve of his team's friendly against the United States.

The game is scheduled for Tuesday in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with the United States led by coach Mauricio Pochettino and Canada led by Marsch, BBC. It kicks off at 7 p.m. CT and is presented by American Airlines.

Marsch made the "big talk" remarks on Monday ahead of the match, Yahoo Sports. Asked about the political backdrop, he pointed to talk of renaming Lake Ontario as "Lake America". That detail was reported by the Toronto Star.

He laughed it off. No anger. Just focus on football.

Marsch also said he holds no grudge with the USMNT, the United States men's national team, ahead of the rivalry game, ESPN. It is a notable line from an American coaching Canada against his own country. He wants Canada to challenge the United States and Mexico for supremacy in CONCACAF, the confederation that covers North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Pochettino kept it respectful. Before the game in Minnesota, he praised Marsch, BBC. Short. Warm. No bite back.

A friendly, a match played outside a tournament and used to test players and ideas, can feel flat. Pochettino does not want that. He said the United States will treat upcoming friendlies like World Cup matches, Reuters.

For fans, this means a proper contest in St Paul. The United States were scheduled to face Mexico in Glendale, Arizona on 3 October before hosting Canada on 6 October, Reuters. Two hard tests in three days. Little room to coast.

Expect noise, pace and an edge. Marsch knows American soccer inside out. Pochettino knows what tournament football demands. Ninety minutes in Minnesota will give both a clear read on where they stand.