The Impact does not have a game scheduled this weekend. Does that mean we can’t get a fix of local soccer? No way! Maxime Crépeau and the Canadian senior men’s team continue their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with the aim of winning a ticket to Russia. The last – and only – time we saw the Maple Leaf at the world tournament was in 1986, in Mexico. The result? Three losses and zero goals in three group stage games.
The Canadian selection is making an impression in Group A as it is tied in second place with Honduras, the Red and Whites’ next opponents this Friday at 5pm (TSN). A win is crucial to go through to the final qualifying round, nicknamed the “Hex” as six countries will try to finish in the top three and win a berth to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, while the fourth-placed team will have to win a play-off against an Asian country. Back in 2014, Canada was a single point away from qualifying for the final stage; the Voyageurs (the national team’s supporters) still remember the 8-1 humiliation to the hands of Honduras in San Pedro Sula’s torrid atmosphere.
After four games, Mexico has already qualified thanks to its perfect run (four wins, no goals allowed) in Group A. El Tri will also be Honduras’ final opponent, which raises the Canadians’ hopes of joining, according to the current standings, Johan Venegas’ Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA in the fifth qualifying round.
Canada wil then face El Salvador on Tuesday, September 6, at 10pm (RDS2, TSN).
