TORONTO | The Canadians were disappointed not to have secured their qualification in Costa Rica on Thursday, but none of that showed after the game on Sunday.
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“I’m so glad we didn’t win in Costa Rica,” coach John Herdman said with a laugh. That’s how it was supposed to be.
“I know why the football gods made sure we didn’t score, it was for tonight. »
Herdman assured that the team will celebrate in the evening, but that the last game, in Panama on Wednesday, will be taken seriously.
Conviction
The players arrived at BMO Field with the firm intention of leaving with a qualification.
“There was no question of leaving here without the three points and our ticket to Qatar,” confirmed Alistair Johnston.
“It’s a long road and I hope we can continue this momentum over the summer by playing good games to continue our preparation to get there not just to show up, but also to offer good performances,” added the CF Montreal defender.
The team played with panache, imposing their style as they have done for a year.
“We carry a sword on which it is written in Latin to play without fear. She accompanies us everywhere,” Herdman said.
Pampered
Although injured and unable to play this international window, Samuel Piette was on hand to celebrate with his teammates.
“I am very fortunate to be present. I thank the national team for having invited me for this match. It shows how tightly woven this group is. »
The CF Montreal midfielder did not know how to interpret his hot emotions.
“It’s very hard to describe, I don’t think I realize yet that we are going to the World Cup. »
A dream
Toronto FC color bearer and native of the Queen City, Jonathan Osorio spoke from his heart on the pitch.
“It’s hard to explain, but it’s a dream come true. As a young Canadian, I thought something like this was impossible and to see it all materialize is incredible.
“This city and this stadium are special to me, my friends, my family and my teammates are here to see me achieve my dream. It’s something I couldn’t even imagine. »
It should be remembered that the 29-year-old midfielder is not on his first important triumph as he won the MLS Cup with the TFC in 2017.
“It’s amazing to win an MLS Cup, but to qualify for the World Cup is the chance of a lifetime for me. »
Important
John Herdman is a man who likes to plan everything, so it was important for him that his team could go to Qatar this year with their eyes on the 2026 Cup which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico .
“I told the guys we needed to qualify in 2022 to lay the foundation for 2026. With the investments that come with a World Cup, we needed to qualify in order to be truly competitive in our World Cup. . »
Osorio believes for his part that the best is yet to come for this selection.
“There are more to come, this is just the beginning for this program. People talked to me about 2026 telling me to forget Qatar and I said to them: “No, we want to go to Qatar”.
“Now people believe in it and things will only improve if they offer good performances in Qatar. »