Cyle Larin entered the Canadian men’s team record books, and Canada continued its momentum towards the 2022 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over the United States in Sunday’s qualifying match for the World Cup.
The maple leaf quickly took the lead, from the 7and minute, given Larin’s opportunism. The Canadians then held the fort, never flinching against the Americans, who led in possession, but came up against the locals’ fortress.
Canada converted its chances, and the United States was unable to do the same. The five minutes of extra time was, however, very tense due to the pressure exerted by the Americans.
Sam Adekugbe drove the final nail in the coffin of the Americans, when he escaped to the 95and minute and caught the rival defense short to score his first goal for Canada in 26 games.
A fifth victory in a row
Canada (6-0-4, 22 points) sit atop the standings of the remaining eight nations in Concacaf’s final qualifying round for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 2-3, 18 points) are now in danger of losing second place to Mexico, who play later on Sunday.
The meeting at Tim Hortons Field was on the 16thand match of the Canadian selection in qualifying for the World Cup since last March. John Herdman’s squad improved to 12-0-4 for their fifth straight win.
Canada gave themselves a one-goal lead when American goalkeeper Matt Turner’s kick was knocked down by Canadian defender Kamal Miller in midfield. Jonathan Osorio collected the ball and redirected it towards Larin. The Besiktas striker combined with Jonathan David, who quickly returned the favor and launched his teammate into the opposition box. Larin rattled the ropes with a right footed shot.
Larin scored his 23and goal for Canada at its 46and game and became the all-time leading scorer for the Canadian men’s team. Dwayne De Rosario is now second overall.
It is the typical example of a goal of this Canadian selection which uses its speed and its tenors in attack to counter-attack with a lot of speed.
Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who grew up in Hamilton, helped Canada preserve their lead when he made a spectacular save in the 43and minute. He stopped Weston McKennie’s header redirect, on Christian Pulisic’s corner kick, with his right hand before hitting the Canadian badge on his heart.
Later Sunday, Costa Rica will face Mexico, Jamaica will face Panama and El Salvador will take on Honduras.
Thursday, the Maple Leaf triumphed 2-0 in Honduras, while the United States prevailed 1-0 against El Salvador in Columbus. Canada will conclude the international window on Wednesday by crossing swords with El Salvador. Only one more three-game window will be left for Herdman’s squad.
In March, the top three ranked nations will get confirmation that they will represent North and Central America and the Caribbean at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Oceania to get the last ticket available for the World Cup.