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November 12, 2015 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - As the Canadian National Team trains in Vancouver this
week in preparation for Friday's World Cup qualifying match against
Honduras, one thing has become apparent. The players know how important it
is to start off the 4th round of qualifying with an important win at home.
The road to Russia only gets tougher with an away match in El Salvador on
Tuesday, plus a pair of matches against Mexico next March.
Canadian goalkeeper Kenny Stamatopoulos knows how crucial a great start is.
"Very crucial, I think one of our downfalls last try at the World Cup was
not winning at home against Panama (Honduras 0-0 June 12, 2012), I think
we tied. That was our downfall so it's very crucial to win at home."
The 36 year-old shot stopper is one of the few Canadians that remembers
the devastating end to Canada's Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifying journey.
Needing only a win or draw to advance to 'The Hex', Canada lost 8-1 to
Honduras at Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula.
As much as players want to move on and not talk about that match it's on their minds.
Stamatopoulos would like to see a better result this time.
"I try not to think about it too much, I was one of them that was part of
it. It definitely is a wound that we'd like to seal up and go there and
change the result."
One player who did not play in that match and was still in high school at
that time is Orlando City Soccer Club striker, Cyle Larin. In his MLS
rookie season, Larin set an MLS rookie record with 17 goals scored and was
named 2015 MLS Rookie of the Year on Tuesday.
Canada will be counting on Larin to help fill the back of the net. The soft spoken Larin is well
aware of that and not at all overwhelmed by all the added pressure on his
shoulders.
"It just motivates me to keep going and help out Canada to score goals and
make it to the World Cup and go farther in this tournament."
CONCACAF matches can be somewhat similar to a roller-coaster ride. Over
the course of 90' minutes you will see a lot of ups and downs. Sometimes
obvious fouls, are not whistled down and an offside play, might not always
be an offside play.
Kenny Stamatopoulos doesn't want to see Canada focusing on things they can't control while on the pitch. It's important to play to the whistle and stick to the game plan no matter what curious
calls take place.
"You've got to push it to the side. In the past we use to dwell on it and focus a lot on that. You've got to put it to the side and do your thing."
Honduras arrived in Vancouver late on Wednesday night and will have less
than 48 hours to get ready for the match and the comforts of BC Place.
Canada has the advantage with what is expected to be a red and white clad
crowd of over 15,000 supporters.
Cyle Larin wants to see Canada get off on the right track and that means winning. A draw at home won't be good enough, and Larin wants three points.
"I think this is the most important game for us to start off on the right
track. Get three points at home and go to El Salvador and get a point
there or three. I think we can do that. We have a really great team,
great coaches, and I think we can go out there and win."
Stamatopoulos is a vocal goalkeeper that likes to take charge and motivate
his teammates when he's in net. He plays his club football with
Allsvenskan club AIK in Solna, Sweden. After the final whistle on Friday
night he wants a win. 5-1, 7-6, 1-0, the score-line doesn't matter. A win
is a win and a must.
"The key is focusing on ourselves, playing a hard game and winning. I
don't care how we do it, I don't care what the difference in margin is,
just win."
Notes: Canadian winger Junior Hoilett did not practice on Wednesday.
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