The Three Most Important Games Of Qualifying – Canada’s January/February Qualifiers Preview
By Jim James
There is ZERO doubt; These next 3 games are the most important of Canada’s World Cup Qualifying campaign. If they can get more points than Panama in these, they are practically guaranteed a spot in their 2nd ever World Cup. However, if they get less than 4 points, qualification is still up for grabs. Both of these are very real possibilities, as while Canada is undefeated so far in the World Cup, they’ve drew just as many as they’ve won, they are missing their key man in Alphonso Davies and they’re facing a hungry USA side that features a Josh Sargent who just scored a brace vs Watford, and a determined group. Without further delay, let’s preview all of Canada’s games in the upcoming international break.
Match 1: @Honduras
Honduras Position in the table: 8th
Reverse Fixture: D 1-1
Honduras Key Player: Alberth Elis
This should be a comfortable win. Although we drew 1-1 to them in the reverse leg, Honduras is out of form, winless, and this Canadian side will boss them in all aspects. Honduras do have a really good side, Alberth Elis, Rimell Quioto, and former Barca player Anthony Lozano, but their lack of a good defense will be their undoing.
Prediction: Honduras 0-2 Canada
Match 2: vs USA
USA Position in the table: 2nd
Reverse Fixture: D 1-1
USA Key Player: Christian Pulisic
Sure, we did draw in the States, but this is a HUNGRY American side that won’t take defeat as an answer. We’ve also lost Phonsie for these fixtures and key Canadians such as Allistair Johnston and Tajon Buchanan have been pre-occupied with moves to new clubs this month, we don’t have the same side as before, and I don’t think we’ll be able to handle them.
Prediction: Canada 1-3 USA
Match 3: @El Salvador
El Salvador Position in the Table: 7th
Reverse Fixture: W 3-0
El Salvador Key Player: Eriq Zavaleta
The Key player just “Discovered” this nation last year, he used to represent the USA. This should be, like the Honduras game, a comfortable win. We won 3-0 in Canada, and quite simply, anything other than a win would be a colossal failure for us.
Prediction: El Salvador 0-3 Canada
There we go. Not a long post this time, but an important one. I promise after these games I will do a round up. Until Next Time.