Canada MNT's perfect qualification window

Adamo Marinelli

February 5, 2022

     Canada remains the lone undefeated team in the CONCACAF qualifiers and sits atop the table with a 7-4-0 record, for 25 points, after winning all three of their games in the latest international qualifying window. 

     Canada won two massive road games in Central America, a place where Canada has struggled to get results in the past after beating Honduras and El-Salvador 2-0. At home against the United States, the Canadians won a thrilling game 2-0 to give some breathing room at the top of the group. 

     Despite losing possession time 59 to 41 percent and getting outshot 14-7 by Honduras, Canada controlled most of the game with their strong defense and midfield after taking an early lead. In the 10th minute, a fantastic effort from Tajon Buchanon down the right side led to a shot on goal which was deflected in the net by Honduran defender Denil Maldonado. After Canada took the 1-0 lead, they played tremendously defensively and goalkeeper Milan Borjan made a handful of incredible saves to preserve the lead. In the 73rd minute, a beautiful pass from Liam Fraser found Jonathan David who controlled the pass beautifully with a few key touches before volleying the ball into the back of the net. Canada got their first win in Honduras since 1985.

     Canada would continue their dominance against the United States. Again, the Canadians would lose the possession battle 64 to 36 percent and they were outshot 13-8, but they had four shots on target to US’ three shots on target. Similar to the game against Honduras, Canada would score an early goal to take a 1-0 lead. In the seventh minute Cyle Larin scored with a beautiful strike set up by incredible passing to give Canada the lead. In the process, he scored his 23rd goal for Canada and set the all-time scoring record. Milan Borjan was incredible again making several key saves at the end of the first half and on multiple occasions in the second half to preserve the lead for Canada. In the 95th minute, an incredible run and strike from Sam Adekugbe led gave Canada a 2-0 lead to secure another huge three points to extend their lead atop the table. Canada finishes with four of six possible points against the US and Mexico.

     Canada would close out the window against El Salvador, another place where they have struggled to get wins in the past. Canada dominated this game from start to finish. They controlled time of possession and won the possession battle 51 to 49 percent, outshot El Salvador 15 to seven, and had five shots on target to El Salvador’s two. This game stayed scoreless until midway through the second half despite several chances to score from Canada in the first half. In the 66th minute, Canada scored the wildest goal I’ve ever seen. Kyle Larin ran past a defender while controlling the ball and crossed it into the six-yard box. Atiba Hutchinson headed the ball, it hit the post, deflected back up onto and bounced off his back, and found its way into the net over the keeper’s outstretched arms. Borjan played very well all game long, but was clutch in the last 10 minutes of the match and stoppage time, which is when he made his two saves to preserve Canada’s lead. Canada had many more chances to extend their lead for the rest of the game, but after a crucial save from Borjan where he deflected the ball over the bar, Jonathan David found himself all alone in the attacking zone and after a few excellent touches, flicked the ball over the keeper’s arms to extend the lead to 2-0. 

     Canada had a chance to qualify for Qatar on Wednesday against El Salvador if they won, the US lost to Honduras, Mexico beat Panama, and Jamaica ties with or beat Costa Rica. Canada handled business, earning them a sixth straight win in World Cup qualifiers. They also finished the window perfectly, scoring six times and never conceding in their three wins. Mexico beat Panama but the US beat Honduras and Costa Rica beat Jamaica. This means they didn't qualify on February 2.

     Therefore, Canada’s next chance to qualify will come on March 24 when they play a road match in Costa Rica. If they beat Costa Rica, they will qualify for their first World Cup since 1986 and only the second in country history. 

     This team is filled to the brim with talent at every position, it is extremely well-coached under manager John Herdman and they did this without Alphonso Davies. Imagine what Canada will do when he returns. 

      A World Cup berth is so close to reality, that Canadian soccer fans can already taste it.