The men’s Canadian national soccer team plays one of the biggest games in its history tonight, as it takes on Panama in its fourth match of the third round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A win would most certainly put the Reds in good position to qualify from the group and advance to the final round of qualifiers. Canada is currently sitting at the top of Group C.
Canada has some history to draw some added inspiration from as 27 years ago this month (September 14, 1985 to be exact), the senior men’s side qualified for its first and only appearance on soccer’s grandest stage, the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. The maple leafs defeated Honduras 2-1 on home soil to claim its spot amongst the world’s best.
WATCH: Intimidation tactics in Panama City
Despite having some history on their side, the men’s national team will be in tough as they venture into hostile territory.
Since the team’s arrival in Panama on Sunday, Canada has been welcomed by passionate Panamanian supporters, who have blocked the roads as the team bus tried to get the stadium for training, and who have been partying in the streets in front of Team Canada’s hotel throughout the night. In an effort to keep the Canadians from getting a good night’s sleep, the locals have been banging drums, playing loud music, revving car engines and even fired off fireworks to help give their team, Los Canaleros, any advantage they can.
Despite their efforts, Canada’s head coach believes a result is possible in hostile waters.
“I have let the players know that we can get a result down here,” said Stephen Hart. “I really hope we lay down a good performance. There will be distractions from the crowd and the conditions, but our players will only be focused on the football.”
Bernier in starting XI?
A suspension to Real Salt Lake midfielder Will Johnson due to yellow card accumulation should spell a start for Impact midfielder Patrice Bernier tonight at Estadio Rommel Fernandez, who played the final 20 minutes in Canada’s win last Friday at BMO Field.
The top two teams from each of the three groups in Round 3 of qualifying from the North, Central American and Caribbean Zone will meet in the region’s traditional ‘hexagonal’ stage. These six teams will meet in a home-and-away format between February and October 15, 2013 with the top three sides qualifying directly for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
The Panama-Canada game will be broadcast on Sportsnet ONE and CityTV, starting at 8:30pm ET. Kick off will be at 9pm ET.
Go Canada!
