Impact midfielder Patrice Bernier played 78 minutes in Canada’s 2-0 loss to Panama Wednesday night, in Panama City at Estadio Rommel Fernandez.
Missing German Bundesliga striker Olivier Occean due to back spasms and losing 2011 MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario were two more obstacles team Canada could not overcome in its fourth 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifying match of Round 3.
Even before the first whistle was blown, the Reds were in tough as Panama supporters camped out in front of Canada’s hotel, disrupting the players’ sleep by blasting music, blaring car horns and setting off fireworks throughout the nights of Canada’s stay
Honduras and Canada are now second in the group (both 2-1-1) with seven points each, with the Central Americans ahead on goal differential. Cuba (0-4) is last.
The top two nations advance to next year's regional finals, which will produce three qualifiers for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Canada hosts Cuba on Oct. 12, when Honduras is at Panama. In the final group games four days later, Panama is at Cuba and Canada is at Honduras. A win in Honduras would just about guarantee a spot in the final round of qualifying for the Canadians.
Reggae Boyz
Impact defender Shavar Thomas watched from the bench as Jamaica fell to the U.S. 1-0 yesterday night after besting the United States on home soil last Friday 2-1. As it stands, Guatemala, the U.S. and Jamaica all sit on 7 points in their group with two games remaining.
