The work was already done. All that remained was to finish in style. Which didn’t quite happen. But despite losing 1-0 in Panama on Wednesday, Canada was able to confirm its first place in the Octagonal standings.
Posted at 11:28 p.m.
The Canadians qualified for the World Cup last Sunday in Toronto. Panama had seen their dreams come to naught against the United States at the same time. The stakes were therefore at a minimum for this meeting.
Panama took the lead in the 49and minute, courtesy of a nice recovery from Gabriel Torres on a superb cross from Cristian Martinez.
After a first drab period, the game opened at this time. The changes on both sides helped on this level.
At halftime, John Herdman notably replaced the young Ismaël Koné, who had obtained a very first start with the Canadian selection. He had started his performance nervously, but he had finally found his rhythm at the end of the first period.
PHOTO ARNULFO FRANCO, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Gabriel Torres (centre) celebrates the game’s only goal.
What a winter anyway for the 19-year-old midfielder. Professional debut to break everything with CF Montreal. A first Canadian recall while his selection qualifies for the World Cup. And a first tenure with Canada. Obviously, a lot of work and learning remains to be done in his case, but his potential has been noticed across the country.
We said it: it was in the second half that the match was played.
Alistair Johnston fell back brilliantly in the 58and with a furious race towards its surface, before tackling the Panamanian attacker perfectly. This game confirmed a very good Canadian camp for the defender of CF Montreal.
Maxime Crépeau had the opportunity to assert himself for this last match, he who generally played the role of second behind Milan Borjan in these qualifications. He stood out in particular at the 77and on a good low shot to his right.
The onset of Cyle Larin and Junior Hoilett pushed Canada forward. At the 80andit was thought that the maple leaf had equalized, but Larin’s goal was finally disallowed for offside after checking the video replay.
We were talking about minimal stakes: the only one left in Canada was to win to try to improve its FIFA ranking as best as possible. He could thus have been part of the third hat – instead of the fourth – in Friday’s draw. Which would have allowed him to be paired with a weaker team when forming the groups.
But that won’t happen. And it’s not very serious. Canada finished first in its pool, ahead of Mexico (on goal differential) and the United States. And he is qualified for the World Cup.
Costa Rica meanwhile took fourth place and will face New Zealand in the play-offs.
Next up for Canada is the group draw on Friday.