VAN DIEST: Canada on a high course to face Jamaica in World Cup qualification

Article content

Before a ball was kicked in anger, Canada’s head coach John Herdman and his team worked on all the permutations and combinations necessary to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Article content

If those calculations included exit points against the United States and Mexico, only Herdman and his staff know, but those two draws have Canada in high spirits heading to face Jamaica on the road on Sunday, in the second of three qualifiers for the Concacaf World Cup at this event. international window.

Another favorable result will have Canada in a great spot as they return home to host Panama on Wednesday at BMO Field in Toronto. Canada is currently third in the eight-team standings.

“I think this window, we knew it was going to be tough with the quick changes, the travel and everything is colliding with injuries and yellow cards,” Herdman said from Jamaica on Saturday. “Going into this game, we also have some suspensions and injuries, so everything is happening in this window.

Article content

“We have thought about it, we have planned it, so it is not unexpected. For the guys it is an opportunity, we know we have depth there and there are players who are having opportunities who have been waiting for opportunities to play for Canada for a long time. I think that’s the most exciting thing for me. “

The 1-1 draw at Mexico’s famous Azteca Stadium on Thursday was historic for Canada. It was the first time that Canada managed to score a point in a World Cup tie in Mexico since 1980. And doing so at the stadium where Pelé with Brazil and Diego Maradona with Argentina won the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, respectively, made it even more special.

But getting to Qatar is a 14-game marathon, not a sprint, and there is still a lot of football to play for Canada, which has not competed in a World Cup since the 1986 edition.

Article content

“We have been very sensible and we know that neither team is going to give us a point,” said Canadian defender Doneil Henry. “We have a group of guys who are always ready to put on this (national team) jersey and represent it well. We are always going to have hard work and commitment on our part, and we can play good football.

“When you have those three things with a good tactical game plan, we are always going in the right direction to win.”

Jamaica have only one draw in their first four games and rank at the bottom of the standings, but they are not a team to be underestimated.

The self-proclaimed Reggae Boyz have a lot of talent on their roster with players like Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Dillon Barnes, Swindon Town midfielder Anthony Grant, along with AFC Bournemouth forwards Jamal Lowe and Bobby Decordova. Reid of Fullham.

Article content

“When you look at the players they have in the role, they have guys with Premier League experience, they have guys who have won a Scottish championship with Rangers (Kemer Roofe); you have winners on that team, ”Herdman said. “You have players who are playing in the top league in Belgium. On paper, when all of their players are here, he would have said, they are one of the top three teams in Concacaf.

“My concern with Jamaica is that it is an injured animal at the moment. At some point this team is going to win three points and they are going to take someone’s head off and I hope it’s not Canada (Sunday) in their own stadium ”.

Jamaica lost three of its first four qualifying games, falling 2-1 on the road to Mexico, 3-0 at home to Costa Ric and 2-0 to the United States in San Jose, California, on Thursday.

Article content

Jamaica’s only point so far comes from a 1-1 draw in Costa Rica. After hosting Canada, Jamaica will wrap up the window by traveling to face Honduras on Wednesday.

Canada has six points from its first four games with one win and three draws.

“Jamaica is a scary team and internationally, if you play for the right reasons, it starts with pride,” said Henry. “I know we are not going to go in here and get three easy points, nor do we have it in mind. We have to go out there and do the right things, play our game and try to impose what we want in this game. “

The top three teams after the round robin round robin qualify automatically for Qatar, while the fourth-place team moves on to a continental tiebreaker against a team from another region for an additional berth in the 32-team World Cup tournament. .

Article content

Four games later, it has been routine for Canada, which will be without several injured players and will miss left-back Richie Laryea and forward Tajon Buchanan due to suspension. Both picked up their second qualifying yellow card against Mexico and must stay out of the game.

The game against Jamaica will test Canada’s depth, as will Wednesday’s competition against Panama, where a victory will be vital for Canada to stay in pursuit of the top three.

“We know a real battle awaits us,” Herdman said. “And when you talk about our team, it’s just a roller coaster and I’ve had it in the Gold Cup, so we’ve experienced it. I just think we have that spirit and that chemistry, no matter who comes in, they are just tuned in to want to fight for the cause. “