Canada on the Cusp of World Cup Qualification
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Canadian soccer has long been dormant and the national team has failed to impress for a long time. Often you wouldn't even notice them operating in the shadow of the USA and Mexico in the CONCACAF qualification standings.
However, with heavy investment in the game including the rise of their three MLS sides, Canadian soccer is finally seeing the fruits of its labour.
Sitting at the top of the table with four games remaining, qualification looks inevitable with the form the team is in. Tonight they travel to El Salvador looking to follow on from an impressive 2-0 win over the U.S. team at home.
Before you make your soccer wager, read this about the Canadian team.
The Evolution of Canadian Soccer
A victory over their neighbours marks an incredible turning point in the CONCACAF qualifiers. The region has been long dominated by the U.S. and Mexico, seeing both nations make regular appearances at the World Cup. Canada was unable to compete having not had the appropriate structures in place to develop the game in the country.
Now, the Canadian FA has a huge success story on their hands if they do manage to qualify. It would be the first time the national team would take part in the World Cup since 1986 in Mexico.
This is a testament to a radical plan to change the development of young players and coaches in the country that was set in motion years ago. An ambitious plan, the Canadian FA has successfully managed to capture the imagination of a country more well known for its winter sports. This is no easy feat as the sheer size of the country makes a development plan for young players incredibly difficult if the right resources are not in place. Heavy investment in the grassroots as well as intense promotion of the MLS sides has contributed to a booming young side full of players that previously would have had to go abroad very young to carve out any sort of career in the sport.
Now, we are seeing more and more young players being developed by the MLS teams. Currently Alphonso Davies, Larin, Buchanan, Samuel Piette, Jonathan Osorio, Doneil Henry, Liam Fraser and Sam Adekugbe are all current members of the squad who were either developed in or currently play with the Canadian pro sides. Canada is developing household names and developing a type of respect for their reputation in Europe. Previously that respect was not there but now that has changed.
Canada World Cup Qualifying
The development of the young players mentioned previously, along with the coaching style of John Herdman means that Canada is on the verge of making history. With just three games remaining the team heads to El Salvador tonight in what should be on paper another win for the only undefeated side in the qualifying group.
El Salvador’s hopes for the playoffs are essentially gone unless both Panama and Costa Rica suffer defeats in their last three games. It has been unlucky in some cases, like losing to the U.S. in a game it deserved at least a draw and then when it should have beaten Jamaica at home.
Instead, Canada will look for another three points in a win that would secure it a playoff berth or, depending on other results, an automatic spot. It looks unlikely Canada would spoil its chances now, but CONCACAF qualification has shown itself time and time again to be fiercely unpredictable.
Canada is still without Alphonso Davies because of a heart problem after his battle with COVID.
Stephen Eustaquio will miss after reportedly testing positive in Portugal and Steven Vitoria will miss because of a suspension.
What this team showed in what was its first win over the United States in World Cup qualifying since 1980, was it is a well-rounded enough team to beat anyone regardless of any absentees.
What Does Canada Need to Qualify for the World Cup?
Canada will qualify tonight if it beats El Salvador, the U.S. loses at home to Honduras, Panama loses at Mexico and Costa Rica doesn't beat Jamaica.
However, I think tonight is going to be a difficult game for Canada and El Salvador's high press will mean it could play out like the game against the U.S. because Canada will have fewer chances to score. El Salvador has a home advantage and, as I said with CONCACAF qualifying, it’s never simple.
The good news for Canadian soccer fans is that in terms of World Cup qualifying, its destiny remains in its hands.
If you are interested in betting on tonight’s games you can check out our list of Canadian Sportsbooks for the best offers and signup bonuses.
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