The Canadian men’s national team is on the pinnacle of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings with simply six suits left. That’s a state of affairs that felt unthinkable only some months in the past, but it’s now a truth after a powerful 2-1 victory over regional energy Mexico on a magical night time for Canadian soccer in front of extra than 50,000 fans in frigid Edmonton.
With temperatures dipping into the single digits, Cyle Larin scored a intention in each half of and the Canadians stored Mexico at bay for a fit they thoroughly deserved to win. The first intention got here simply earlier than halftime after Larin pounced on a rebound, and the second one got here on a set piece early within the 2d half. A stoppage-time header strike from Mexico's Hector Herrera set up a frantic finish, which protected a Canadian purpose-line clearance, however Canada held on.
While the Canadians move in the direction of making history and qualifying to their first World Cup considering 1986, the pressure mounts on Mexico supervisor Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who saw his crew fall to its 2nd instantly qualifying loss after a 2-zero setback to rivals USA. This became Mexico's first World Cup qualifying loss to Canada considering 1976, and the primary loss of any kind to Canada considering the fact that 2000.
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It turned into an flippantly played in shape on the Commonwealth Stadium astroturf, but the difference between the teams got here down to Canada's potential to generate and capitalize on scoring opportunities, mainly way to Larin who have become Canada's all-time goals co-chief together with his two tallies.
Canada defender Alistair Johnston stepped as much as win a ball within the attack and take a shot on purpose, which brought about Larin's first putback goal earlier than halftime. Then Stephen Eustaquio introduced a satisfying set piece and Larin misplaced his marker in the box on the second one purpose. The Canadians also appealed for a 63rd-minute penalty kick after Richie Laryea was bumped in the container, but the referee become now not fascinated.
Mexico become restrained to a handful of hopeful balls into the container that were handled via the Canadian back line, including goalkeeper Milan Borjan. One of those required a intention-line clearance via Borjan deep into stoppage time that prevented a near equalizer.
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Goals: CAN — Cyle Larin — 47th min. CAN — Cyle Larin (Stephen Eustaquio) — 52nd min. MEX — Hector Herrera (Tecatito Corona) — 91st min.
