Canada to book first World Cup place in 36 years
Canada stand on the cusp of a first senior men's major tournament in almost two generations when John Herdman takes his still undefeated side to CONCACAF rivals Costa Rica in San José. Los Ticos need some positive results from their last three matches to at least overhaul Panama and face off against the winners of the OFC section in June for a place in Qatar, but that seems like a tall order against a team on the brink of history. Read our preview here:
Campbell's soup
Luis Fernando Suárez is presiding over the last hurrahs for many of Los Ticos, and he'll need to draw on their experience and knowhow to glean enough points from Thursday night, an away trip to El Salvador and an ominous final game at home to USMNT to prolong that contingent's dreams of another showpiece on the world stage. Joel Campbell is still only 29, but is a member of the 100+ cap club. Currently on loan at Liga MX outfit Monterrey, the forward still possesses a turn of pace and an eye for goal that will ensure the Canucks' impressive defensive record in the pool is put to the test.
Free from his Hutch
Alphonso Davies is the big name absentee from the roster. The Bayern Munich flying wing-back, who plays on the left of a front three normally for his national side, continues his recovery from myocarditis, a mild heart condition that has presented itself after he contracted Covid. That may mean a reversion to a 3-5-2 to help combat a packed home midfield, and veteran Atiba Hutchinson will relish that challenge. Even at 39, the combative stalwart remains a regular fixture with Turkish giants Beşiktaş, and would dearly love to finish his career by helping realise his national team's dream.
Betting tip
Even without Davies, Canada look more than prepared psychologically and tactically to seal their place at the World Cup. Having started 2021 as only dark horses to qualify and ranked 72nd globally by FIFA, they ended the year 33rd (the highest they've ever been) and unbelievably above both Mexico and the USA in the group. betway have odds of 2.40 for a win over Costa Rica that will not only spark wild celebrations, but also leave them tantalisingly close to a better seeded place for the tournament itself.
