The Canadian men’s soccer team heads to the well-armed World Cup in November in Qatar.
John Herdman’s lineup travels with a sword these days. “She represents the ‘new Canada,’” Herdman said after Sunday’s 4-0 win over Jamaica secured the country a spot at the men’s worlds for the first time since 1986 in Mexico.
“I told the guys, ‘we always had a shield. Now here is a sword where is written “Nihil timendum is”, “Do not be afraid” (in Latin). This is the new Canada. This is the attitude we want to adopt in each stadium, symbolizing that we are going to take possession of their ground. »
During last week’s trip to Central America to face Costa Rica, The Nationa newspaper in that country, reported that customs officials seized the sword due to “regulations on what kind of weapons can enter the country.”
The Canadians saw their 17-game unbeaten streak in Concacaf qualifying come to an end with a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica.
Canada played with 10 men for two-thirds of the game, with midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye sent off for a second yellow card.
“We got the sword back. She was in that turf,” Herdman said happily after Sunday’s victory, pointing to the playing surface at BMO Field.
The Canadians improved their qualifying record to 14-1-4 with one game to play Wednesday in Panama. With one game left in the final round of the Concacaf qualifying tournament, Canada (8-1-4) retains first place overall with 28 points.
The United States and Mexico, who have not yet officially qualified, are tied for second place, with the advantage to the American team due to a more favorable spread between goals for and goals against. Costa Rica (6-3-4, 22 points) remains in fourth place and will host the United States on Wednesday night.
The great universal meeting that is the Soccer World Cup must take place in Qatar, from November 21 to December 18, 2022 and will bring together 32 countries.