Back in Mexico, the Canadian suffered three defeats, didn’t score a goal and had to leave soon after. Canada will be in Qatar again in 2022. “It was clear almost immediately that they weren’t going to make it worse,” the National Post wrote. “Canada’s visit to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup was never in doubt,” even The Globe and Mail found. For the first time ever, a younger generation of fans will experience Canada at the World Cup, “Sports Illustrated” wrote.
When the final whistle sounded at Toronto’s BMO Field, the ceremony knew no bounds. Tears of joy, hugs. “Without words, without words. Dreams do come true,” CF Montreal defender Alistair Johnson said from the pitch while the crowd chanted “Canada, Canada.”
“Now they believe in us”
“Maybe this country never believed in us because we didn’t give them anything to believe in. Now they believe in us,” said England coach John Harderman. “Now is the time for everyone to come together and get behind football because we can be one force.”
Sayle Larrin (13′) and Tajon Buchanan (44′) scored two goals against Jamaica in Toronto before half time to give the league leaders a reassuring lead. In the closing minutes, Junior Hoylet (82′) and Adrian Mariappa scored with their own goals (88′) to make it 4-0.
The United States and Mexico are allowed to plan
The United States and Mexico could almost plan a trip to Qatar, but still go into the final match day on Wednesday with a residual risk. The United States won an unassailable 5-1 victory against Panama in Orlando. The outstanding man on the field was Chelsea player Christian Pulisic with three goals.
Salzburg’s Brendan Aaronson, who was suffering from a knee problem, was absent this time. Mexico won 1–0 against Honduras. With 25 points each, both teams are three points short of the Canadian leaders. Costa Rica is in fourth place with 22 points.
Play-off for the fourth ticket
In qualifying for North and Central America, the top three teams have secured their tickets for the World Cup in Qatar. Fourth place goes to the play-offs against a team from Oceania. Costa Rica and USA meet on Wednesday.
The United States clearly has a better goal difference and can afford to lose even with a goal difference of less than six. Mexico have three goals better than Costa Rica and play against El Salvador in the final.
