BRIDGEVIEW, IL—It took 24 years, but Canada have finally reached the final round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying with a 3-0 win on the night against Haiti at SeatGeek Stadium and 4-0 on aggregate. However, it will be Canada’s first goal that will have everyone talking.
In the 46th minute, goalkeeper Josue Duvenger inexplicably misplayed a back pass from Kevin Lafrance into his own net. This was after he made three point-blank saves in quick succession on Jonathan David in the first half.
Herdman told reporters that he had his team practice penalties the night before at the stadium asking each to make three hinting that might have cut up the turf where Duvenger had his blunder.
“The goalkeeper coach came up and said ‘Look, you’re wrecking my six-yard box.’ And we were, to be fair,” Herdman said.
“These mistakes at this level, you put blood in the water for any of these top teams and they take it,” said Herdman. “After that goal you could sense it. It was almost like the bottle top had been released for the guys. And they could just drop their shoulders and let the talent start to flow.”
Haiti, who were missing players unable to make the trip from Port-au-Prince due to US COVID-19 travel restrictions, had their better moments such as Derek Etienne just missing on an equalizer at the hour mark. However, any chances Haiti could come back into the tie evaporated after they could not clear lines on a long ball that was picked up by Cyle Larin who finally made good after missing two chances earlier.
Junior Hoilett put in one more for Canada pouncing on his own rebound after hitting the post in the 89th minute. It was finally the result Canada had been hoping for after years of bad luck at this stage of qualifying.
“It’s just a proud moment for us all,” said Canada coach John Herdman. “We’ll enjoy the moment. But at the same time we’ve just got to stay humble now, because tomorrow the focus shifts on to the big mountain. And that big mountain is one of the most exciting mountains I think this whole country has got to try and climb together.
“And that’s where I’m inviting all of you guys to come on that mountain climb with us. Because it’s happening. We did it.”
The Gold Cup awaits both teams with Haiti having to playing St. Vincent and the Grenadines in a preliminary match in Fort Lauderdale on July 2nd, but Canada can now also look forward to the Octagonal in September as well joining the USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, and El Salvador.
SCORING SUMMARY:
CAN-Josue Duvenger (own goal) 46
CAN-Cyle Larin (unassisted) 74
CAN-Junior Hoilett (unassisted) 89
BOOKING SUMMARY:
CAN-Doneil Henry (caution, reckless tackle) 7
HAI-Bryan Alceus (caution, tactical foul) 42
HAI-Duckens Nazon (caution, reckless tackle) 62
CAN-Junior Hoilett (caution, reckless foul) 90+3
CANADA (3-5-2): #18-Milan Borjan; #15-Doniel Henry,#5-Steven Vitoria, #4-Scott Kennedy; #2-Alistair Johnson, #7-Stephen Eustaquio, #21-Jonathan Osorio (#8-David Wotherspoon 65), #14-Mark Anthony Kaye, #19-Alphonso Davies (#10-Junior Hoilett 82); #20-Jonathan David (#12-Tajon Buchanan 82), #17-Cyle Larin (#3-Sam Adekugbe 75)
Subs not used: #1-Dayne St. Clair, #18-James Pantemis, #3-Sam Adekugbe, #9-Lucas Cavallini, #11-Liam Millar, #13-Frank Sturing, #22-Richie Laryea, #23-Theo Corbeanu
HAITI (4-1-3-2): #12-Josue Duvenger; #2-Carlens Arcus, #4-Ade Ricardo, #13-Kevin Lafrance, #19-Jeppe Simonsen; #21-Bryan Alceus (#16-Deedson Louicius 86); #10-Steven Saba (#5-Stephane Lambese 77), #7-Herve Bazile (#11-Derrick Etienne 46), #8-Leverton Pierre; #9-Duckens Nazon, #20-Frantzdy Pierrot
Subs not used: #23-Andy Bordenave, #6-Jems Geffrard, #14-Ashkanov Appolon, #3-Mechack Jorome, #5-Stephane Lambese, #16-Deedson Louicius, #15-Mikael Cantave
TOTAL SHOTS: CAN 18-4 HAI
SHOTS ON GOAL: CAN 9-1 HAI
FOULS: CAN 11-19 HAI
OFFSIDES: CAN 5-0 HAI
CORNER KICKS: CAN 14-3 HAI
SAVES: CAN 1-5 HAI
Referee: Rubiel Vazquez (USA)
Referee Assistants: Corey Rockwell (USA), Cameron Blanchard (USA)
4th Official: Tori Penso (USA)
Weather: Sunny and 73º
Man of the Match: Cyle Larin (CAN)
