Heading into the second match of the group stage of the Gold Cup, if there is one silver lining, it is that Canada did not repeat the misfortune of allowing a late goal in their opening fixture as seen in 2013. Granted, that does not offer much comfort as both times Canada was seen as favourites and most would expect three points against the weakest opponent in the group. What lies ahead again is an equally daunting road from two years ago; before it was Mexico and Panama, this year it is Jamaica and Costa Rica.
In front of Canada on Saturday night are the Reggae Boyz who are coming off a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica in their first match in Group B. Supporters don't need to look back very far for a needed shot of confidence through a 3-1 win over Jamaica at BMO Field last September. However, the make up of both teams are different from that fixture, as well as venue and pressure of this match now becoming a critical opportunity for three points and advancing out of the group.
What Canada and Benito Floro can look forward to is a much different style and approach to the game than El Salvador. Jamaica don't have the same reputation as the Central American countries for keeping the stretcher bearer industry afloat and look for flash on the pitch instead of rolling around on it. Canada's more physical approach should not affect the game as much and Benito Floro will need to make a quick assessment of who can match up best with a bigger, stronger and faster side than seen Wednesday night.
Keep thinking
There is no question that the initial response and reaction to Wednesday night's 0-0 draw with El Salvador was utter disappointment. A Canadian side that has been showing signs of improvement and competitiveness would have benefited greatly through a win over one of Central America's weaker teams. However, one only needs to look back two years on a team who not only lost this first match, but offered little offensively and looked hopeless through the tournament.
If the glass is half full, Canada is still in it for this group and also has a home game ahead. While no goals were scored, there were more chances towards target in this game than what felt like all of 2013. Much will be made of Cyle Larin's miss, however, it can be leveraged moving forward that rectifying that mistake against the next two opponents will serve the team better than it happening for the first time in a more critical fixture. And finally, losing Milan Borjan certainly is a blow to the defence, but Kenny Stamatopoulos made several key saves and is proving to be a more than adequate choice between the posts.
The most important element for Benito Floro over the next days is ensuring the mentality and confidence of the side stays strong. Lamenting quality or specific players will do nothing to ensure Canada is properly prepared to take on a team they already beat less than a year ago. There are questions regarding the line up for El Salvador that is fair, and one would expect a different look against a team who will have significantly more size and strength.
If a past precedent can be leveraged it is the friendly at BMO Field in September 2014. Both teams will have very different line ups, however, there are still core players from that match and what is left is asking who has improved more and is in better form. Jamaica are currently winless in four, but three of the losses in that stretch were to top South American teams in the Copa America. Prior, the Reggae Boys essentially were flawless in their qualifying for the Gold Cup to look like the best team in the Caribbean right now.
Canada might have taken a blow to their confidence heading into this game, however, before facing Jamaica last year, the team pretty much had none whatsoever and managed to pull together for an impressive display that resulted in a 3-1 win. It should not be hard to give the side a shake and remind them they have only lost twice over the last eleven games and if they tighten up their performance will see momentum go their way.
What Benito Floro will need to adjust for is a much bigger, stronger and faster opponent than El Salvador. The attack will be more dangerous with the likes of Giles Barnes, Darren Mattocks and Simon Dawkins who all have exceptional pace and athleticism. Without question, the adjustment will need to be aware of this, and someone like Marcel De Jong cannot be slotted at left back as he simply does not have the speed to compete. Even in the midfield Jamaica offers problems as many will now be very aware of Joshua McAnuff and the team's willingness run at defenders or to shoot from distance.
Some will challenge the line up Benito Floro fielded for El Salvador, and this is the time to get it right. Canada will need to be stronger in the midfield and unfortunately someone like Kyle Bekker will need to be sacrificed either for Russell Teibert or possibly moving De Jong up and slotting Ashtone Morgan at left back. As underwhelming as De Jong was against El Salvador, he is a huge asset on set pieces and has an attacking mindset needed to create chances.
With Julian De Guzman's fitness coming into question, it leaves a huge experience gap that requires filling. If he is not ready, Floro can still slot in Jonathan Osorio who has been playing with confidence for the past month. Up top, despite no goals on Wednesday, there is still good potential for chances from Cyle Larin and Tesho Akindele. Tosaint Ricketts has looked better on the right side, and even with wayward balls, earns corners and does not give up. For Canada to come out with a result, quite simply they will need to believe it is there result for the taking and commit to leaving it all on the pitch until the final whistleftered.
In the end
Despite Canada not coming away with an important three points against El Salvador, the side has no choice but to pick themselves up and prepare for tougher opponents. First up is Jamaica, a side that even though Canada beat under a year ago, circumstances have changed and it will be very difficult to come away with anything. The one blessing is that there should be significantly less theatrics and both teams can show more of what their brand of football is about. Jamaica will be up to the physical challenge, but also offer plenty of pace and that will be Canada's biggest challenge to cope with. On the flipside, Canada should come with better technique and tactical team approach that if they can dig for confidence and commit to pulling in the same direction, will be in a position for points and still in a position to advance when they arrive at BMO Field.
Prediction
Canada 1 – 1 Jamaica
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