Uruguay gives Canada lesson in World Cup reality

Because soccer is low scoring, it's a game in which subtle differences matter, and better teams often prevail because of small but consistent advantages in speed, movement, technique.

The best win inch by inch, touch by touch.

Canada's men have been on an incredible run to qualify for their first World Cup in 36 years, but that success will see them matched against the toughest teams on Earth in November.

Tuesday's friendly in Bratislava against Uruguay, ranked 13th by FIFA's measure, was that rare reward that takes the form of an awakening, a welcome that doubled as a rejection.

"This is what Canada's got to learn," head coach John Herdman said after the 2-0 loss. "You're not going to get a gift. You have to earn it."

Uruguay scored in the sixth minute off a top-corner free kick from Nicolás de la Cruz, and the outcome was never really up to the Canadians again. Ranked 43rd, they showed resolve and had an admirable share of the ball. It's just the Uruguayans knew so much better what to do with it.

"I think we controlled the game," midfielder Stephen Eustáquio said. "Just the quality stands out."

WATCH | Canadian men fail to convert chances in World Cup tune-up:

It's been more than a decade since Canada played a team with Uruguay's talent and grace. For long-time Canadian soccer fans, the game was surreal to watch; it must have been otherworldly to play. Alistair Johnston, who was starting in League1 Ontario only three years ago, found himself marking Uruguay's Darwin Nunez, who cost Liverpool €100 million in June.

Johnston has been excellent during qualifying, but when Nunez towered over him to head home Uruguay's second goal in the 33rd minute, the differences in level — and height — were painfully clear. Dreams are