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Canada is ready to get into the third round of World Cup Qualifying Friday night as they host the opening leg of their two fixtures against Belize. Having already dispatched Dominica with relative ease earlier this summer, this round comes in ahead of what will be a very tough group stage starting this fall, should Canada advance. There is likely little debate that the CMNT are heavy favourites, as Belize do not have a strong reputation in the region both domestically and internationally, and those who follow CONCACAF closely would expect Canada to start this round off with a strong showing and several goals going into the away leg.
Keep thinking
It has been a bit of an up and down summer for the Canadian Men's National Team. It began with optimism as they soundly dispatched Dominica in the second leg of World Cup Qualifying 6-0 on aggregate. What was most encouraging from those matches was the performances of Cyle Larin, Tesho Akindele, Russell Teibert and Samuel Piette - all players who could have another decade of call-ups for the national team. Specifically the performance of the team at home and goals scored by Larin and Akindele offered confidence that the scoring woes that plagued the team for several years might be over.
However, the Gold Cup followed and with that some of the wind came out of the sails for the team. Benito Floro had some confident words ahead of the tournament, but supporters were left seeing the same end result as the previous two editions, capped by a gutting 0-0 draw at BMO Field against Costa Rica that would have seen the side into the knockout stage. What was also disheartening was an apparent lack of cohesiveness in the player selection, as well as remaining a threat on net, which was underlined by no goals scored.
Michael Petrasso
With time to step away from another failed Gold Cup run, Benito Floro now has the real work to do and the time for any reconnaissance or assessments are over. With the fourth round of World Cup Qualifying beginning in November, these two matches will be essential to build harmony and synergy with the players. The most encouraging signs from these upcoming games is the player selection, with several names returning to the team after long absences.
Most notable are the tandem of Atiba Hutchinson and Will Johnson. There is no debating that Hutchinson is far and away the best Canadian player. From a domestic level of play, as well as his performances for Canada, the team's chances rise and fall with his inclusion into the side. Will Johnson as well, since World Cup Qualifying for 2014, has gone on to become a marquee player as captain of the Portland Timbers in MLS and his experience and grit will be critical over the next year.
Issey Nakajima-Farran
Without looking ahead, Canada must focus on Belize and there should be some warning signs from past matches against CONCACAF "minnows" the team should pay heed to. They only need to look back to September 2011 when St. Lucia shocked BMO Field by drawing level at 1-1 and holding that scoreline until the second half. Recent Gold Cup performance bring to mind matches against Guadeloupe, Martinique and El Salvador. While Belize is potentially not as strong as the three mentioned, they do have players to pay close attention to.
Those who have followed CONCACAF qualifying over the last few cycles will know the name Deon McCaulay. Despite Belize not getting out of the second round, McCaulay ended up being tied with Robin Van Persie and Luis Suarez at the leading scorer through 2014 qualifying at 11 goals. He is already one of a handful of top scorers for 2018 qualifying at 3 goals. Granted, the level of competition is far below other regions, his recent stint with the Atlanta Silverbacks should give an indication of his level of skill. While most of the roster is comprised of domestic players, defender Elroy Smith does play in Honduras, while keeper Shane Orio's club football is in Guatamala.
What is important for Canada and for Benito Floro over these two games is to fine tune his ideal team selection and approach and see through a clinical display, especially at home. It is clear who the attack will fall on, and that is most likely Cyle Larin who has proven he can score good goals and link up with his teammates. Tesho Akindele has been getting more minutes with FC Dallas of late and should be in good fitness. Tosaint Ricketts has performed well for Canada recently, however, Michael Petrasso is a good options as well in attack. Having these three players playing with Atiba Hutchinson to build cohesiveness will be critical as he will be the heart of the team through this round and the next. Defensively, Canada might not need to be stressed about this opponent, but as seen against Dominica, chances still arise and shutting out McCauly will be a measure of success and confidence going away to Belize and onto the fourth round.
In the end
Canada are two matches away from getting back to their usual position of World Cup Qualifying of the fourth round. With no group stage, as seen last cycle, they now face Belize at home Friday night before traveling away for next Tuesday. Canada has been able to dispatch the lower ranked teams in CONCACAF in qualifying over the last few cycles and there is little indication that this round will be any different. Belize do have players that Canada needs to pay close attention to, specifically Deon McCauly, who has scored in bunches for Belize over the last few years. Canada should be able to win, but it is important how they do it. With Mexico and Honduras on the horizon as opposition, getting the players confident and in sync is the goal for Benito Floro. Anything less than a proper route will raise questions, but that should be averted for the time being.
Prediction
Canada 4 – 0 Belize
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