Spirited performance not enough to salvage slim Russia 2018 World Cup hopes in night of mixed emotions
-Canadian side record 3-1 win in final group qualification match
-Cyle Larin leads the line scoring opening goal and receives MOTM
–Chippy affair resulted in red and numerous yellows for both sides
BC Place Vancouver, BC – A little over 20,000 Canadians and El Salvadorians squeezed into the lower bowl of Vancouver’s largest arena to watch the final group match for the CONCACAF World Cup Qualification phase for Russia 2018.
For any chance of qualification to the next round, Canada were in desperate need for a big win on the night whilst also requiring Mexico to beat Honduras by a combined margin of 6 goals from the two matches.
Canada’s match kicked off just ahead of the game in Mexico and got off to a flying start in the opening exchanges albeit extremely fortuitously. A Salvadorian clearance cannoned off the arm of a Canadian midfielder and fell straight at the feet of Larin who was standing no less than 5 yards offside. The big striker took one touch before finishing on the volley to open the scoring in the 11th minute.
With the crowd behind them, the home side were in serious ascendency with chances coming thick and fast. Larin and Tosaint Ricketts were guilty of missing a number of efforts to extend the lead before half time and realistically could have been four or five up in the first 30 minutes. Despite all the pressure on the away goal outshooting the men in white 10-3, the score remained 1-0 at half time.
Meanwhile in the Azteca, Mexico were being held to a 0-0 draw after 45 minutes not helping Canada at this stage of the two contests.
Canada came out in the second half once again all guns a blazing, continuing where they left off in the first 45.
Nik Ledgerwood got himself an early second half goal with a tidy finish in front of goal. Junior Hoillet was under all kinds of pressure just outside the box but still somehow managed to wriggle is way past 3 players before passing off to the open Ledgerwood who made no mistake one-on-one with the keeper.
It looked like things were falling into place as Darwin Ceren was sent off for a crunching tackle leaving his countrymen with just 10 players to battle out the last 30 minutes.
The reduction to 10 men actually seemed to ignite a fire in the visitors spurring them to life finally as they began to create several chances on the counter. El Salvador actually managed to get themselves a goal through some truly shocking, yet somewhat familiar Canadian defending. Nelson Bonilla was composed enough to slip his easy chance under the goalie to get back within touching distance of the men in red.
Multiple questionable substitutions by Canadian Head Coach, Benito Floro, may have just sealed his fate as forwards were replaced by midfielders and a centre-back in a game that was crying out for more goals and more attacking presence given the nature of the circumstances.
Ironically, centre-back David Edgar was one of the incoming subs who went on to bag himself a late cheeky goal in injury time. A little flick beyond the onrushing goalkeeper was enough to make the score 3-1.
Despite a valiant effort from Canada it wasn’t meant to be on the night as the scoreline was not enough to progress. Mexico played out a 0-0 draw meaning the Hondurans qualify for the Hexagonal round in second place.
There were bright sparks throughout the night which would give fans a sign of promise and hope, but managerial changes are going to be needed to push this team and see how far they can truly go.
The final round will begin Nov 7, and last a full year until Nov 2017 where we will finally see who will be representing CONCACAF in the World Cup Russia 2018.
