Canada is in a great position to qualify for the World Cup. To be honest, this feels more like the last dance rather than the first dance because of how different the landscape will change over the next six years. Canada more than likely will automatically qualify for 2026 and than by 2030 Qualifying, the whole landscape will have changed.
Honduras is Canada's biggest rival and despite beating them 1-0 in Qualifying in Vancouver back in 2015, trying to duplicate that result will be the challenge. Canada feels like the hunted and not the hunters now. Holding serve is crucially important.
I don't feel nervous but maybe I should be. The fact that we have never seen this qualifying format is what makes me feel that there will be surprises.
If anything, what makes me curious about the next 14 games is that Canada hasn't been tested since the 2018 Qualifiers because most teams don't put together their A teams for the Gold Cup. This is concerning but I'm trying to tell myself that a draw today doesn't eliminate us or put us behind the eight ball. Our roster is good enough to go into Panama, Honduras or El Salvador if we have to.
The worst part of the format is the old semi final stage was some of the most intense soccer that I have ever seen and the 1-0 win At Cuba hooked me on soccer nine years ago. Since 2012 we have had this slow and steady rise. Junior Hoilett was the turning point to this program. If he picks Jamaica or England I don't know if other players follow.
We are a stacked team and I seriously believe that we the world will start to look at CONCACAF as a three country league and not the two headed powerhouse that it has been known for since the late 90's.
We have to realize that the Qualifying isn't determined on paper and Mexico almost missed out in 2014 and USA missed out on 2018. Every game matters and it starts with tonight. I love this roster but the Canadian Men's team has always had some kind of Toronto Maple Leaf Syndrome that has hunted this team whenever we have reached the tipping point. In fact, Canada is 8-3-1 in home WCQ in the last 12 home games. In comparison and slightly tougher competition, USA is 10-0-2 in their last 12 home games. This tells us that our ties is what is derailing our Qualifying cycle.
Enjoy the Golden generation, we have knock on wood finally made the big stage!
