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vVANCOUVER -- John Herdman says Canada isnt good enough to win the womens World Cup at the moment, but the teams head coach adds it "absolutely" will be by the time the country hosts the tournament in 2015. [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] . Herdman made the comments on Friday morning at an event to mark the one-year countdown to the FIFA showcase that will be played in six cities across Canada. "At this point, no. Ill be blunt about that," Herdman said when asked if Canada is good enough to win the tournament right now. "In a years time, yes absolutely. Were close. Were getting closer. "We are getting closer in many things, but were not quite there yet. Thats why weve got a year to get that ready." Those preparations include a friendly for the senior team against Germany on June 18 in Vancouver and the womens under-20 World Cup, which Canada will host in August. Herdman predicted Canada would play the United States in the womens World Cup final on July 5, 2015, at B.C. Place Stadium, and made no apologies when a reporter suggested that might be a bold proclamation. "Youve got a home World Cup in Canada, youve got one chance to do this for the country," said Herdman. "It might never come around in our lifetimes again, so what are you going to say? Oh were going to go try our best? Were always going to try our best. You expect anyone who pulls a Canadian shirt on to do that. If weve got one chance to do this, were going to go try and win it. "Were not going to hide from that." The challenge for Herdman and his staff is one that has plagued Canadian coaches of both the mens and womens teams for years -- where is the offence going to come from? The team has relied on star striker Christine Sinclair since way back in 2000, but she will need help if Canada is going to have any chance of raising the womens World Cup trophy on home soil. "Its the little details now of scoring goals. We know that well defend as a team," said Herdman. "We know that well fight and well battle. Its about the craft now against those top teams of carving out more opportunities and scoring goals. Weve been working towards that." Canada, currently ranked seventh in the FIFA rankings, was named as the host country for the womens World Cup more than three years ago and Herdman said the pressure is beginning to ramp up with just 12 months to go. "Im starting to get those pre-wedding day nerves now ... cant run away from this one," the Englishman said with a laugh. "It is getting real and its intensifying in our environment as well. Youre starting to get serious about the squad, identifying people that need to be on the bus, starting to look at how we absolutely make sure we leave no stone left unturned. "Its almost like the big exams are coming around the corner and people are really starting to focus in now and get their heads into what its going to take." One of the players Herdman is high on for the upcoming under-20 tournament is defender Kadeisha Buchanan. The 18-year-old from Toronto has already played for the senior team and will be a big part of Canadas chances this summer, and quite possibly again in 2015. "I smile every time I talk about Kadeisha because shes just a kid that loves it," said Herdman. "She absolutely loves it and no challenge is too big, nothings too stressful. She just loves her sport. Shes had a tough background and she appreciates everything she gets." Canada won bronze at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, but it was the controversial semifinal loss to the United States that grabbed the nations attention. Herdman is hoping next summers group will create some new memories, beginning with his teams first game a year from Friday at Edmontons Commonwealth Stadium. "Well be ready to connect the country again around some amazing moments," said Herdman. "Well laugh together, well chew our fingernails together, well cry together ... and hopefully this time it will be tears of joy." [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] . Toronto has lost six of its last eight games but is coming off Thursdays 7-3 victory at Kansas City. Juan Francisco and Colby Rasmus both went deep for the Blue Jays, who are second in the American League with 34 home runs on the season. [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] . The 20-year-old overager has appeared in 35 games for the Ontario Hockey Leagues Erie Otters this season, scoring 41 goals and adding 27 assists with a plus-28 rating. [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] . Unfortunately for Toronto, that surge was too much to handle as the Stars scored six straight goals and ended the Marlies season with a 6-2 victory on Tuesday. Toronto had built a 2-0 lead on goals by Frazer McLaren and Peter Holland, but Texas charged back with a wild rally late in the second period to spark its trip to the Calder Cup final.PHILADELPHIA -- A person familiar with the decision says Charlie Manuel has agreed to return to the Philadelphia Phillies, accepting a position offered to him the day he was fired as manager. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team hadnt announced the move. A talk-show host for radio station 97.5 The Fanatic was first to report the news onn Twitter. [link widoczny dla zalogowanych]. CSNPhilly.com reports that Manuel will be a senior adviser to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. Amaro broke down in tears when he announced Manuel was fired on Aug. 16. Amaro recently said he was hoping Manuel would return. The 70-year-old Manuel led the Phillies to the 2008 World Series title, five division championships and two NL pennants from 2005-13. ' ' '