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The Gold Cup drought continues for Canada as they are into their third and final match of the group stage, but still alive to advance as they host Costa Rica on Tuesday night. Already two games in with no goals, the Red and White will hopefully get a boost of needed confidence as they have a rare Gold Cup home match at BMO Field. Benito Floro will need to show some tactical acumen against one of the surging nations in CONCACAF and one whose stock is higher than ever after an impressive World Cup run.
As is always the case with Canada, Benito Floro's first and foremost challenge is ensuring the players have confidence heading into this match. The side often appears always on the brink, and it's not surprising as it has been another Gold Cup where goals have been non-existent and chances few. Costa Rica have not been as dominant as expected and are sitting on two draws; a 2-2 score with Jamaica, and allowed a late tying goal against El Salvador. The question heading into this game will be can BMO Field and strong support be the difference for Canada and finally break the Gold Cup slump?
Keep thinking
It has been a tough tournament so far for Canada and their supporters. Heading into this group stage there was signs the team were on the ascent after a solid year of results and routine dispatching of Dominica in the second round of World Cup qualifying. The emergence of Cyle Larin and Tesho Akindele gave hope that the scoring woes that have plagued the team since 2012 were finally resolved. However, tournament play against hungry opposition has proven difficult for Canada to break out against and it has turned into a stark reminder of how far the team still needs to go.
Granted, this is a team who are missing some of their best players, however, one would expect the quality there to over match El Salvador and offer a bit more against Jamaica. Much has been made about the roster, some selections and the lack of scoring. Pinning the hopes of Canada's scoring woes on a 20-year old MLS rookie is excessive and keeping the make up of the team, and where they are at in terms of development, in perspective required, especially ahead of facing Costa Rica.
Many would have pinned Costa Rica as favourites heading into the 2015 Gold Cup based on their recent World Cup run. The Central American nation have done well to perform and built a solid pool of players competing both at home and abroad. Even without keeper Keylor Navas and Brian Oviedo the Ticos have solid depth and cannot be taken lightly without being punished. What has been seen so far is a team who have a varied attack and capable of finishing chances. An attack of Alvaro Sabborio, Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz is very solid for the region, and the support from John Venegas, Celces Borges or David Guzman demonstrates the depth available to the team.
Canada has their work cut out for them on several fronts in this game. Defensively the team has done well in the tournament, despite some shaky play on set pieces. Dejan Jakovic has shown that when healthy and in form, could be an anchor in defence. He will be needed to continue his performances as there is no doubt that the defence will be tested often. What Canada will be suffering from is the suspension (yellow accumulation) of two key defensive starters in Nick Ledgerwood and Samuel Piette. This will certainly change the approach from Benito Floro as these players are two of Canada's more physical members.
As seen against El Salvador, Canada will need to be prepared for what could be an ugly approach to the game from Costa Rica. Theatrics on soft fouls should be expected to limit any flow early on in the game and keeping a cool head will once again be required. As well, Costa Rica do not need a win do advance, but simply avoid defeat, so it will be interesting to see if they simply bunker down and wait for a counter attack to create their chances.
What Canada should be looking for, if the first two games are any indication, is testing Costa Rica's defenders early and often. If there appears to be any weakness to their squad, this would be it as they have been beaten in open space and marking on set pieces not as tight as required. Canada should be looking at set pieces as their big opportunity, as the late winner from El Salvador showed lax defending and ability to run channels and find room. This has been a disappointment from the tournament so far, in that delivery on corners and free kicks has been poor and players such as David Edgar, Dejan Jakovic, Adam Straith, Tesho Akindele and Cyle Larin not given many chances to exploit their height.
The final piece of Canada's chances is the fact that the game is on home soil. If there is to be a do-or-die game, better in a stadium where the team has in fact looked good over the last few years than in a pro-opposition venue somewhere in the southern United States. Of course, lifting the side and instilling confidence and strong mentality once again will be a huge challenge for Benito Floro. Even though Canada have looked sturdy in defence, it would be naïve to expect them to keep a clean sheet against Costa Rica. What is even more important is, obviously, a 0-0 draw won't help Canada's case and scoring will be absolutely critical. Giving Cyle Larin, Tesho Akindele and Tosaint Ricketts confidence that their chance will come to finish will go a long way in seeing through a potential result. Benito Floro will be tested in his strategy and it will be interesting to see how he tries to break down Costa Rica, who will likely sit back, without leaving them exposed to a potent counter attackg.
In the end
Canada head into their final group game of the 2015 Gold Cup with everything to play for. Even though they could advance in certain circumstances with a draw, the reality is it's a win and you're in, as the saying goes. But to win Canada will need to break a two-tournament scoring drought. Coincidentally enough, their last tournament goals from open play were against Costa Rica back in 2009 in an identical group of teams with the last match against the Ticos. That can be seen as a positive or negative premonition as the match finished 2-2. Benito Floro will have many things to deal with: CONCACAF refereeing, a potential opponent using negative tactics and theatrics and a Canada side that needs to finish more clinically. For it to come together at home would be ideal, however, until Canada sets the precendent against top regional opposition, it will likely be a tough night for the national team.
Prediction
Canada 1 – 1 Costa Rica
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