Canada is ready to set aside its reputation for politeness, at least during the World Cup.

With a chance to make history at home, after decades of World Cup disappointment, Canada’s players are talking less about manners and more about mentality.

Canada opened Group B play with a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, earning the country’s first World Cup point. On Thursday at BC Place against Qatar, Canada will be seeking its first victory.

To make toppling Qatar more of challenge, Canada will have to do it short-handed.

Alphonso Davies, Canada’s captain and its lone World Cup goal scorer before Cyle Larin found the net last week, is just overcoming a lingering hamstring injury. Forward Promise David is recovering from a hip injury and Marcelo Flores, one of Canada’s top performers during qualifying, was ruled out of the tournament in May with a knee injury.

Defender Moïse Bombito has barely played since suffering a broken leg in October. Before that, he had started every match during coach Jesse Marsch’s two-year tenure.

The injuries have created opportunities for others, including Jayden Nelson, who replaced Flores on the roster after netting a stoppage-time goal against Uzbekistan earlier this month.

That confidence has become a recurring theme for Canada. Rather than focusing on the pressure of hosting, players have embraced the moment.

Laryea’s perspective reflects the attitude Marsch has tried to establish since taking the job. Canada has become known for its high-intensity pressing system and willingness to challenge opponents physically.

Defenders Luc de Fougerolles and Alistair Johnston each carry yellow cards into the Qatar match. If teams finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored — which is where all four teams in Group B currently stand — FIFA’s fair-play system acts as a tiebreaker, meaning disciplinary records could influence who advances from the group.

Four years ago, Qatar became the first host country to lose all three group matches. But after watching Qatar’s opening 1-1 draw against Switzerland, Sigur said Qatar should be taken seriously, pointing to its focus across 90 minutes.

More than 50,000 fans are expected at BC Place for a match that could become one of the most significant in Canadian soccer history, and players have repeatedly referenced the energy they hope Vancouver can provide.