The Canadian Men’s National Team head into their second set of matches in the Second Round of World Cup Qualifying, as they take on CONCACAF minnows St. Lucia Friday night. There do not look to be many surprises leading into this match, as Canada dispossessed the Caribbean nation in the opening fixture of this group stage 4-1 and realistically should have won by an even bigger scoreline.
Away matches are always a concern when competing in this region as stifling humidity as well as suspect standards of the pitch, facilities and refereeing can play a factor in the quality of play and worst case scenario, securing a win. However, St Lucia fortunately appear to have a decent playing surface compared to other island nations, and the location of the field is such that the sea provides ample opportunity for reprieve from the heat. With these small details, added to what is clearly a chasm in talent between the two sides, Canada should be able to leave Beauseport Stadium with another important three points.
Check out another episode of The Royal Westminster. Gavin Day is in St. Lucia and gives his first hand account of the CMNT training session prior to their match against St. Lucia.
Keep thinking
Canada comes into their second match against St. Lucia the clear frontrunner to win their group and advance to the Third Round of qualifying. In the first match against the island nation, Canada were shocked in the early going as after a dominant opening to the game, and goal from Josh Simpson, Tremain Paul leveled the score a minute later to essentially take all the air out of Canada’s tires.
As the match would progress, Canada would not only show their class in technique but also fitness as St. Lucia simply could not cope with the level of play that was required at this stage of qualifying. The only real concern that came out of this game was the Canuck’s inability to overwhelm an inferior opponent and prove they are class above.
The away fixture does not raise major concerns that Canada needs to be weary of anything, should they remain focused and disciplined in their approach to the game. The loss of their three first-choice defenders from the opening two games, Kevin McKenna, Andre Hainault and Mike Klukowsi, normally would be a massive blow, but given David Edgar’s display against Puerto Rico and Ante Jazic being in good form for both club and country, they should be able to cope. The other two defenders likely to see time, Nik Ledgerwood and Adam Straith, both are lacking match fitness from the club level, but are familiar with the National Team set-up and should be able to slot in and perform.
The other intangibles when competing in CONCACAF, namely poor playing surfaces, do not appear to be to the degree as seen in other matches or competitions. Toronto FC arguably holds the distinction among Canadian teams in 2011 for visiting the poorest pitch when traveling to Nicaragua and playing on a field that looked two weeks out of it’s last cut. Beausejour Stadium, despite being built for Cricket, looks to be maintained to a higher standard.
Of course none of these factors will be issues if Canada simply remain focused and execute as they all train to do each week at their professional clubs. There are a handful of players in red and white who should have no problems imposing themselves in this game and both stifling any chances on goal and at the other end finding a way to put balls in the back of the net.
The group of attackers consisting of Josh Simpson, Simeon Jackson, Iain Hume and Oliver Occean posses more than enough quality to finish chances against St. Lucia, and it will be Josh Simpson again who will be the player to watch, as when he is in form and fitness is among the best in CONCACAF. Keeping him confident and producing will be essential to Canada’s chances as the progress through this round and face tougher competition.
Many will also be looking to the 2.Bundesliga striker Olivier Occean to improve on his performances from last year against the Ukraine and Greece, where he was largely ineffective and absent. Against a nation who offer nowhere near close to the level of competition of two strong European teams, Occean will be the player to watch and see if he can become the striker Canada has needed to deliver reliable and consistent performances throughout the qualifying campaign.
Of all the factors that will effect Canada’s display and potential result, it will come down to the mentality of the players and intensity of the approach Stephen Hart is able to instill upon them. A comprehensive ninety minutes is critical to keeping confidence high returning home to Toronto to face Puerto Rico, and if they show the kind of patience as seen in San Juan but raise their level of tenacity it should be a fairly comprehensive and result for Canada.
In the end
Into their second match against St. Lucia, Canada should feel confident based on the first game that the island nation won’t offer much in terms of opposition, save for the odd long-range effort. Focus and discipline will be key to ensuring a positive result, not just in the scoreline but delivering the kind of performance that is expected from the gap in quality between the two countries. While the backline might raise question marks without stalwart defender Kevin McKenna and Mike Klukowski, this will be a night where the best defence is a good offence, and Canada holds a clear advantage in this department. Simpson, Jackson, Hume and now Occean should provide everything needed for Canada to come out of Beausejour Stadium with a sound win and confidence heading into their match against Puerto Rico.
Prediction
Canada 3 – St. Lucia 0
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