Canada continues its final round of World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying with three matches over the next week and a half.
First Canada visits Honduras Thursday, before hosting the United States in Hamilton Sunday. Coach John Herdman’s squad then return to Central America to face El Salvador Wednesday.
The Canadians’ last came together for the two-game window in November, when they famously beat Costa Rica 1-0 and then Mexico 2-1 in Edmonton. But these next three matches are expected to be another true test of the Canadians who currently sit atop the Concacaf World Cup qualifying table.
Alphonso Davies missing for Canada
If Canada finds success in these three World Cup qualifiers, they’ll have done it without their talisman.
Alphonso Davies has not travelled with Canada this international window. The 21-year-old winger was recently diagnosed with a heart condition after contracting COVID-19 earlier this January.
Bayern Munich said the Canadian star showed signs of an inflammation of the heart, or myocarditis.
According to experts, myocarditis is mild and temporary in most cases. But it is serious enough to keep Davies from any training for the next few weeks.
“We all want to see the kid come back to health,” said coach Herdman during a media call Wednesday. “I think everyone was devastated when they got the news, nobody more than me, just from a personal level because he brings such an infectious spirit to the group.
“You know when Phonzie’s here. So we’ll miss that. And obviously we’ll miss what threat he brings on the pitch.”
Canada squad’s depth will be tested again
Despite Davies’ absence, John Herdman has still managed to name a strong squad.
European-based forwards Cyle Larin and Jonathan David will look to pick up where they left off last time they wore the all red kit of Canada. Larin scored twice against Mexico in November, while David tallied against Costa Rica. And together they’ve scored 18 goals this World Cup qualifying campaign.
Winger Tajon Buchanan returns to the roster after making his first appearances for his new club, Belgian champions Club Brugge.
Ever-present veteran midfielder Atiba Hutchinson returns for another international window. Herdman will be hoping the 38-year-old’s experience and drive can again solidify the Canadian midfield.
But Herdman admitted many factors can complicate team selection and that careful planning will be needed to rotate the squad effectively.
“We’re on the precipice now where we have six players now carrying yellow cards through this period,” said Herdman. “There’s the Covid factor. I think all coaches are losing some sleep on it every night. We’re all wondering what messages are going to come through from the medical team in the morning. And then you’ve got the reality of the preseason players, the MLS players, some of them haven’t played a competitive match since November.
“This is probably as tricky a window as you’re going to face. But I keep saying this to the group, ‘this is what we are built for.’”
Canada’s history of Central American struggles
Historically, Canada has struggled when visiting Central America for World Cup qualifiers.
During the second round of 2018 World Cup qualifying the Canadians drew 0-0 with El Salvador and lost 2-1 to Honduras. The two results contributed to Canada’s early elimination.
Canada began the final round of World Cup qualifying with a 1-1 draw against Honduras in World Cup in September. Photo: Gavin Napier/Total Soccer News
And in 2012, Canada famously only needed a draw in Honduras to advance to the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying. But they suffered a humiliating 8-1 defeat, ending that campaign prematurely.
But Herdman and Co. will be hoping to solve Canada’s Central American conundrum.
“We’ve all seen the previous experiences of the national team,” said Herdman. “And there’s no denying that. It’s a place where if you don’t get excited for it, it could really consume the mentality of the players.”
Canada could secure a World Cup berth by Wednesday
Canada goes into Thursday’s qualifier sitting atop the 2022 World Cup 2022 Concacaf table with 16 points, one point ahead of the United States and two points ahead of Mexico and Panama.
And Canada could qualify for the World Cup as early as next Wednesday. But it’s very unlikely, as the Canadians would need to win all three matches, while either Mexico or Panama would need to earn only one point out of a possible nine. And Costa Rica and Jamaica would need to end the window on no more than 15 points.
Realistically, Herdman and his squad will be targeting between four and seven points this window. That kind of return should put them in a good position to attack the final three qualifiers in March, knowing they have the power to qualify very much in their own hands.
But Herdman doesn’t want to get too far ahead of himself.
“We know what our mission is,” said Herdman. “Our mission is to qualify. Our mission is to win a game against Honduras.”
