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Posted by
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November 13, 2015 |
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@HarJournalist
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VANCOUVER, B.C - All the work that Canada has put in this week at BC Place
will be put to the test tonight as 95th ranked Honduras looks to zap the
home pitch momentum. 18,000 spectators are expected file in to cheer on
Canada in an all-important 4th round World Cup qualifying match on the
road to the 2018 Russia World Cup.
Players have been tight-lipped about what Coach Benito Floro has been working on. An attacking outlook could see striker Cyle Larin up top with wingers Tesho Akindele and Junior
Hoilett out wide in a 4-5-1 formation.
Full-back Marcel de Jong wouldn't bite on any tactics.
"Just our routines is what he's been working on since he came (in) and all
of our movements with the ball. Our defending and offense, so it's been
pretty much the same as always."
The fans, media, and curious onlookers are labeling this match as a must
win match for Canada. Earning nine of nine possible home points would be
significant if Canada is to make it to 'The Hex.' While some players are
confident in declaring that this match is a must win. Others take a
cautious approach.
Marcel de Jong wants all three points, but also wants to see how things
are dictated during the match.
"I don't know. Of course we play at home, three points would be nice, but
I can't really say before the game. If they're pressing us, if we aren't
controlling the game, then maybe a draw is good. I mean we want three
points and we're going to do everything we can do to get three points."
The Newmarket, Ontario born De Jong moved to the Netherlands at the age of
five before returning to Canada to play in his teenage years at the U-17
level.
De Jong has become a fan favourite with his brilliant golden left
foot. In Canada's 1-1 draw vs Ghana on October 13. De Jong scored a
cracker of a goal from 35 yards out. With free kicks, bursts up the left
flank, and crosses being his bread and butter, you might say that Marcel
de Jong can 'Bend It Like Beckham' with a bit of a Canadian twist of
course.
"Yeah, maybe, I don't know. I scored a couple of nice goals with my left.
I don't know how did it became and how it happened, but I just developed
it and I'm pretty good I think."
The 29 year-old is expected to start at left-back in what would be his
40th cap for Canada. It will be a joy for De Jong just to get on the pitch
again. In his 2015 MLS rookie season, De Jong earned 13 appearance for
Sporting Kansas City and 11 starts with 1 goal and 1 assist. De Jong did
not play in Sporting Kansas City's only visit to Vancouver on July 12 and
he isn't thrilled about his first season in MLS.
"Yeah that's correct. I don't know, I still have a year left, but
obviously I wasn't too happy with my role the last couple of weeks and
months. Hopefully we can find a solution for my situation and I have
confidence that I will."
Marcel de Jong and his teammates can forget about any frustrating club
commitments for 90' minutes on Friday. Soccer enthusiasts will be tuned in
across the country to see if Canada can pick up a win vs Honduras. Give
him any kind of time and space and you could perhaps see a top corner
screamer de Jong.
Notes: The stormy weather that's visiting Vancouver this week will most
likely make it very difficult for the BC Place roof to be open on Friday
night. Rain and strong winds continue to be in the forecast.
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