John Herdman said the usual things after Canada beat the United States in Hamilton to come one step closer to qualifying for the World Cup this year.
He warned not to look too far ahead, preferring to focus on Wednesday’s game in El Salvador.
He spoke of the dedication and talent of his players.
He even playfully plugged his ears when a reporter suggested the qualification was basically settled.
“We have to maintain the same attitude,” Herdman said. Start over again. Thinking about qualifying scenarios is conducive to getting us into trouble. »
Next March, when the eight teams in the last qualifying round in the region have completed their 14-game schedule, the top three will qualify for the tournament in Qatar. The fourth place country will go up against a nation from Oceania to see who will join them.
“Our mindset is not to count the points and the possibilities,” said defenseman Richie Laryea. It’s more of saying that if we’ve come this far, why not just keep going. Let’s just keep going the same way, doing what we’ve been doing all along. »
Canada (6-0-4, 22 points), who top the table, have three games to play after visiting El Salvador — in Costa Rica on March 23, at home against Jamaica on March 26 and in Panama on March 29.
Canada could clinch a World Cup berth on Wednesday, though it would take a combination of results.
If Canada beat El Salvador (taking their total to 25 points) and Panama lost to Mexico, the United States lost to Honduras and Costa Rica lost or drew against Jamaica, the Canadians would qualify. .
If not, Canada could guarantee itself at least a fourth place finish.
Surf the wave
El Salvador (2-5-3, nine points), Jamaica (1-5-4, seven points) and Honduras (0-7-3, three points) can’t catch Canada.
And Herdman’s side are nine points clear of fifth-placed Costa Rica (3-3-5, 13 points). A Canadian win on Wednesday coupled with a loss to Costa Rica or a tie in Jamaica would mean the Costa Ricans couldn’t catch Canada.
A tie for Canada in El Salvador coupled with a loss to Costa Rica would also guarantee the Canadians at least fourth place.
Although FIFA has not yet detailed the distribution of scholarships in Qatar, it offered a total of 400 million dollars in 2018, in Russia.
It ranged from 38 million for the champions to eight million for each of the teams that finished 17and at the 32and square.
Canada Soccer’s normal operating budget includes annual revenues of C$22-25 million.
Qualifying for Worlds 2022 would likely lead to more sponsorships and player registrations, all good things for the next big soccer party.