Canada enters possibly the toughest segment of the FIFA World Cup qualifying finals on Thursday night.
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John Herdman’s team visits Honduras before returning home to host the United States in Hamilton on Sunday before heading to El Salvador next Tuesday.
And all this without Alphonso Davies who is on the floor due to myocarditis, a consequence of the COVID which he recently contracted.
“It’s going to be a tough night, but we’re ready for that kind of night,” Herdman said in his pre-game press briefing Wednesday.
Big piece
Davies’ absence is a handicap for Canada as he is one of the best left-backs in the world.
“He’s an exceptional player and everyone knows he’s important. The opportunity in that is that we always have a guy who is ready to take over,” said goaltender Maxime Crépeau earlier this week.
Her absence could ultimately be a blessing in disguise as Herdman hopes she will add a small dose of unpredictability to his team.
“In recent games, our opponents have been able to neutralize Alphonso in a certain way. »
Crucial
This portion of qualifying is particularly crucial for Canada who currently sit atop the standings with 16 points, one ahead of the United States and two ahead of Mexico and Panama.
Apart from the match against the United States, the other two opponents are very easy to take since Honduras is last (3 points) and El Salvador is penultimate (6 points).
However, it is the long trips with a wide variation in playing conditions that make the three-game six-day streak complex.
What’s more, midfielder Stephen Eustaquio still represents a doubtful case even though Herdman is optimistic to see him play.
Same conditions
The match will be played at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, a particularly austere, even hostile stadium.
Herdman knows very well that his team will be coldly received there and that the playing conditions will be complicated. He is also inspired by what his team experienced in Mexico last fall.
“We went through a lot of adversity at the Azteca and we are trying to recreate the same state of mind this time around.
“It’s a difficult place to play, where the fans are hostile and on top of that, Honduras will fight for its survival. »
Different team
Honduras drew Canada to a draw in Toronto in the tournament’s first-ever encounter, but this team still presents a much different face when playing on home soil.
“They’re creating a lot of scoring chances and averaging 17 shots per game at home,” Herdman noted.
“The pitch will be difficult and it will have an impact on the game, you will have to adapt quickly, the grass will be high and the ball will be slow. »