Canada closed out its World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign with a 1-0 loss against Panama Wednesday.
A second half Gabriel Torres goal was all the hosts needed to claim the three points. However, the Canadians had already qualified for Qatar, clinching a berth with a 4-0 victory over Jamaica in Toronto Sunday.
And while a win Wednesday could have lifted Canada into Pot 3 of the World Cup draw, theoretically giving John Herdman’s squad a chance of a better draw, Canada’s coach wasn’t too bothered, knowing his team had reached it’s primary targets.
“After 20 matches, we’re here, top of the group,” said Herdman after the game. “And we’re off to Qatar as the champions of Concacaf. That’s all we could have dreamed of.”
Canada will learn it’s World Cup group stage opponents Friday, when the official draw is made in Doha, Qatar.
And for Herdman, that’s just the start of the next challenge.
“It’s been a hell of a journey for the fans, the organization and the players. And the work starts now, across all levels of the game, this is just the start of what we have to do.”
CONCACAF World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying final round
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | PTS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q | Canada | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 23 | 7 | 28 |
| Q | Mexico | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 17 | 8 | 28 |
| Q | United States | 14 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 20 | 9 | 25 |
| P | Costa Rica | 14 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 13 | 8 | 25 |
| Panama | 14 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 16 | 17 | 21 | |
| Jamaica | 14 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 22 | 11 | |
| El Salvador | 14 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 18 | 10 | |
| Honduras | 14 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 7 | 26 | 4 |
P=progressed to inter-continental playoff
Updated March 30 2022
