Victory against the United States | Canada at the gates of Qatar

(Hamilton) Who will stop Canada? After Mexico, it’s the United States’ turn to lose their teeth against a Canadian team at the gates of Qatar. The national team won 2-0 against its great American rival, Sunday, in a cool and sunny Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.

Jean-Francois Teotonio
The Press

In doing so, John Herdman’s team secured a break in service at the top of the CONCACAF Octagon, the final phase of qualifying for the World Cup next November.

A flash of genius from top duo Jonathan David-Cyle Larin, a late strike from Sam Adekugbe, and a solid defensive effort saw Canada fill the 12,000 red-and-white-adorned fans.

At the 7^and minute, Kamal Miller intercepts the ball sent by goalkeeper Matt Turner in the middle of the field. The CF Montreal defender sends it to Jonathan Osorio, who deftly hands it over to Cyle Larin in the final American third. He returns to Jonathan David at 1-2, takes the ball in the area, and sends it into the left corner of the net. Canada takes the lead, pyrotechnics get going at Tim Hortons Field, and fans warm up celebrating in the stands.

Larin thus became the leading scorer in the history of the Canadian selection, with 23 goals. He tops the crop of Dwayne De Rosario, who has 22.

The Reds will be able to thank the opportunism of their attackers, because the rest of the match was mainly dictated by the Stars and Stripes. The possession rate of 64% to the advantage of the United States is proof of this.

But that’s no surprise to anyone. The United States favors the possession game, while Canada is lightning on the counter-attack and in the transition game.

The maple leaf gave another strong example in the last moments of the match, when Sam Adekugbe came quickly alone in front of the goalkeeper after catching a long clearance from Kamal Miller. Yes, him again. Adekugbe only needed to find the right finish to outsmart goalkeeper Matt Turner, and it was 2-0. He couldn’t throw himself into the snow this time, but he launched himself at the corner flag, celebrating with the fans and under the smoke. Tim Hortons Field was shaking.

What a moment to score your first national goal.

Opportunistic at the front, watertight at the back

Miller, Alistair Johnston and Steven Vitória, on the ramparts, offered solid defensive play, neutralizing American chances on several occasions. Vitória, however, received a yellow card in the 31^and : one would be tempted to suggest that he was looking for this card. He will miss the next match against El Salvador, but it was already highly likely that John Herdman would rest him for this meeting.

We should also note, once again, the brilliance of Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan. This man, armed with his now iconic gray pants, stood out again in this game. His handy save just before halftime, off a solid header from Weston McKennie, is the only other real highlight in this game for Canada. But that’s all one.

We even saw him celebrate his save with Sam Adekugbe as if he had just scored a goal.

Then, at the very end of the match, Borjan began to raise his hands, signaling to the crowd to make some noise. It’s not like she needed more encouragement, but she answered the call well.

We sang, we danced in the stands. The enthusiasm for this Canadian team is very real.

It was tense until Sam Adekugbe’s goal was released. But Canada held firm.

With those three extra points, Canada now has 22 after 10 games, compared to 18 for the United States.

The Canadian team was greeted with a bang at Tim Hortons Field. Arriving on Melrose Avenue, the bus was quickly blinded by a cloud of reddish smoke. As they exited the vehicle, supporters gathered around the fences showered them with confetti. The tone was set.

Canada will then drop into El Salvador for the final matchup of this international window. The match will take place on Wednesday at 9 p.m. at the Cuscatlán Stadium.