Canada will conclude the second leg of the 2022 World Cup qualifying tournament by hosting Panama at BMO Field in Toronto tonight.
In the first two matches of this international window, the Canadians first pulled off an important 1-1 draw in Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico, a point almost unexpected.
Then on Sunday they got another point in a 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston.
This game was played in the absence of several executives who were either injured or suspended, and it especially emphasized the importance of tonight’s match, which should be played in front of a full house of 30,000 spectators.
Still undefeated
“We’re undefeated and we’re proud of it, but at the end of the day we need the points. We don’t want to be known for a good performance, we want to be seen as a winner, ”insisted head coach John Herdman.
Canada (1-0-4) has not yet suffered defeat in this tournament, during which it will play a total of 14 games.
He intends to end this second leg in the right way by defeating the enigmatic Panama, who suffered a loss of 1-0 against El Salvador on Thursday, then come home and defeat the United States 1-0.
Herdman confirmed on Tuesday that Atiba Hutchinson, Cyle Larin and Lucas Cavallini will be out due to injuries.
This is also the case with goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who contracted COVID-19. In his absence, Quebecer Maxime Crépeau did well with a goal conceded in two duels.
Additionally, Junior Hoilett suffered a hamstring injury in training in Jamaica and returned to England.
In Jamaica, Canada also lost Richie Laryea, Tajon Buchanan and Steven Vitoria who served a one-game suspension for accumulating yellow cards.
But it seems that it was a bit voluntary and that it was part of a group management strategy on Herdman’s part.
“In the game against Mexico, we wanted Tajon or Richie to receive a yellow card,” admitted the head coach.
He also mentioned that Jacob Shaffelburg of Toronto FC could be a candidate to replace one of them.
Tight ranking
Canada must beat Panama if it is to position itself well in the standings. He is currently fourth with seven points. Mexico leads with 11 points. The United States and Panama have eight.
“If there’s one game we owe it to ourselves to win, it’s this one,” Herdman said.
With a win, the Canadians would reclaim at least third place by overtaking Panama. The top three countries will qualify for the World Cup.
Americans will receive Costa Rica, which is not an easy customer, while Mexico will visit El Salvador.
A defeat could complicate the life of the Canadian formation which must begin to accumulate gains.
They will play their next two games next month, hosting Costa Rica and Mexico in the cold Edmonton.
