Wednesday, November 17, 2021

THEY SHOVELED THE SNOW OFF THE FIELD

SOCCER

Canada moves into first in World Cup qualifying with win over Mexico

A record-tying night from Cyle Larin not only propelled Canada to a 2-1 win over Mexico on Tuesday at Commonwealth Stadium, but put the Canadians at the top of their CONCACAF World Cup group.

The Canadian Press

EDMONTON — A record-tying night from Cyle Larin not only propelled Canada to a 2-1 win over Mexico on Tuesday at Commonwealth Stadium, but put the Canadians at the top of their CONCACAF World Cup group.

That’s right. As the eight remaining teams in CONCACAF each completed the eighth of their 14-game schedules in the Octagon, Canada (4-0-4), a country that hasn't been to a World Cup since 1986, is tops. A point up on the Americans. Two points up on the Mexicans and Panamanians. The top three qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while the fourth-place team gets a final shot to qualify via an intercontinental playoff.

Larin’s two-goal performance gave him a total of 22 for the national side, tying Dwayne De Rosario as the top Canadian men’s goal-scorer in history.

Just before the end of the first half, a skipping shot from Canadian defender Alistair Johnston could only be parried by Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa. The ball fell right into the path of Larin, who made no mistake.

Johnston’s shot looked to accelerate after it took a wicked hop on the artificial turf, an effect of a slick, cold ball on a hardened playing surface. According to Environment Canada, the game time temperature was at — 9 C, with a wind chill of — 14 C. If there was a moment that justified Canada Soccer’s decision to stage this game in Edmonton on a November night, that was it.

Larin struck again seven minutes into the second half, as he side-footed home an inch-perfect cross from Stephen Eustaquio, leaving Ochoa flailing on the goal line.

The Mexicans made it close with an 89th-minute goal from the head of substitute Henry Martin.

And then, in five minutes of added time, they came at the Canadians in waves, forcing 'keeper Milan Borjan into two goal-line saves.

Larin’s opener punctuated what was a chippy first half from both teams. Right after the opening kickoff, a Canadian defender flattened Mexican star winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar ruled it a legal challenge, but Lozano was down on the turf for several minutes.

The game then transformed into a maelstrom of fouls — a total of 23 in the first half, with 13 of them called on the Mexicans.

Escobar also showed yellow cards to both teams’ benches in the first 45.

But the Mexicans were held to zero attempts on target. It wasn’t until the dying moments of the team, down two goals, that the visitors came alive.

By the end of the match, the foul count was 21-16, Mexico.

On a night that Larin was in the spotlight, Atiba Hutchinson started the game for Canada — earning his 90th cap for his country. He passed Julian de Guzman as the most-capped men’s player in Canadian soccer history.

The crowd was announced at 44,212 — despite the fact Canada Soccer announced on Monday that more than 50,000 tickets were sold. But Edmonton was hit with heavy snow Monday and through the day Tuesday, leading to no-shows. A total of 48,806 showed up for Friday’s 1-0 triumph over Costa Rica, on a calm 1 C evening.

Crews worked furiously before the game, repainting the field lines and shovelling snow that had accumulated near the pitch.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 16, 2021.

Soccer

Canada able to freeze out Mexico in World Cup qualifier in Edmonton

With the win, Canada leapt over both the Mexico and the United States and into top spot in the final Concacaf qualifying group with six games left

Author of the article:Derek Van Diest
Publishing date:Nov 17, 2021 • 

YES THATS SNOW ON THE GROUND
Canada celebrates their first goal against Mexico in added time in the first half at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Canada defeated Mexico 2-1 on November 16, 2021. PHOTO BY GREG SOUTHAM /Postmedia

They came to Edmonton to freeze out the competition on the road to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and it all worked out to plan for head coach John Herdman and the Canadian men’s national soccer team.

After defeating Costa Rica on Friday in front of a packed house of more than 48,000 at Commonwealth Stadium, Canada did one better on an even colder night, defeating Mexico 2-1 in front of 44,212 on Tuesday. Over 51,000 tickets to the game had been sold, but a major snowstorm Monday, which carried into Tuesday afternoon made the highways into Edmonton too dangerous to travel for some out-of-town ticket holders.

“I have to give a massive thanks to the city of Edmonton, they’ve been different class and they’ve done literally everything to create a fortress here, to help this team, to make us feel welcomed,” Herdman said. “We’ve had the Oilers help us, we’ve had the Elks helping. The country is behind us and we felt it and the boys delivered tonight.”

Cyle Larin, getting the start up front in place of Jonathan David who netted the goal against Costa Rica, scored both goals for Canada in its first win against Mexico since the 2000 Gold Cup quarter-finals. Canada had not beaten Mexico in World Cup qualifying since 1976 in Vancouver.

Hector Herrera scored in the 90th minute for Mexico to make for a tense five minutes of injury time. Mexico came within inches of tying it off a corner, but Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan was able to smoother a ball directed at the net on the goal line.

“We learned that the game is not over until that final whistle blows,” Herdman said. “That was probably the longest six minutes of my bloody life. Thank God for Milan Borjan and everyone one else that put their bodies on the line there to see us through.”

With the win, Canada leapt over both the Mexico and the United States and into top spot in the final Concacaf qualifying group with six games left.

The top three in the eight-team group qualify for Qatar, while the fourth-place team advances to a continental playoff for en extra berth in the 32-team World Cup tournament.

Canada has not competed in a men’s World Cup since its only appearance in 1986 and now have one foot in another with 16 points from its first eight games. The United States, who drew 1-1 at Jamaica on Tuesday sit second one point back, while Mexico and Panama are tied for third with 14 points.

Larin scored two minutes into first-half injury time and then added another in the 52nd minute.

“I think we have two wonderful strikers both in great form, one scored one night and the other scored in the other,” Herdman said. “He was feeling ill the first few days we got here and hadn’t eaten for two days and had a lot of travel. The squad is deep and we were able to rest him out that first game.

“We knew the Mexicans were going to press high, we knew they would be on the front foot and to have Cyle as a point man to have someone that could create that link between the lines and you see how good he is at holding the ball up and bringing other players in.”

The next round of World Cup qualifying games takes place at January and beginning of February, with Canada playing in Honduras and then hosting the United States at a yet-to-be named location. They will then close out the international window with a game in El Salvador.

Canada decided to play its two home games in Edmonton during this international window to take advantage of the frigid temperatures in Edmonton in November and the potential of drawing huge crowds at Commonwealth, which seats just over 56,000.

Edmonton came out in droves for the game against Costa Rica, played in just above freezing temperatures and again on a night where the thermostat dropped to minus-9 C at kickoff, but felt more like minus-14 C with the windchill.

Canada started with an attacking formation with Larin up front as the target man, while Tajon Buchan and Alphonso Davies flanked him along the wings.

As expected, the game was choppy from the start and Canadian centre back Doneil Henry set the tone early, bowling over Hirving Lozano early as the Mexican forward was attempting to control a throw-in. Henry was fortunate not to be given a yellow card for the challenge and likely would have, had it not been so early in the game.

Lozano got his pound of flesh a couple of minutes later when he chopped Stephen Eustaquio well after the Canadian midfielder played the ball.

The game looked as though it was going into halftime scoreless, when a clearance dropped to Alistair Johnston and set up perfectly for a half volley. Johnston hit the ball from 25 yards out, forcing Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to make a good diving save as the shot bounced just in front of him. Larin then beat Mexico defender Nestor Araujo to the ball and slotted it into the net.

Four minutes into the second half Buchanan and Davies broke out essentially against one defender. Buchanan hesitated to slide the ball over to Davies, who was all alone to his left, and by the time the pass was played it was too late.

Canada did score eight minutes later when Eustaquio swung a free kick to the far post where Larin was able to slot it past Ochoa, who was rooted to his spot.

Mexico had never played a World Cup qualifier under such extremely cold conditions, although they have made teams go to the altitude and smog and heat of Mexico City regularly, scheduling kickoffs in the afternoon sun.


They tried to mount a comeback, but left themselves susceptible to the counter attack with Canada fielding so much speed in midfield with Davies, Buchanan, Ritchie Laryea and then David, who came on for Larin with 17 minutes left.

Canada could not put away a handful of break opportunities, and then Martin scored in the 90th minute heading in a cross from Jesus Corona to give Mexico life.

Shortly after, Borjan made a miraculous save on the goal line, and Canada was able to hold on through five minutes of injury time.

“Every country uses its terrain as an advantage and we saw this as a genuine advantage,” Herdman said. “This was an opportunity to bring out the Canadian in our players. They’ve all grown up on plastic pitches and cold conditions. For us we wanted them to feel like it was home and for the Mexicans they had to adapt like we had to adapt to altitude.”

Email: dvandiest@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @ DerekVanDiest


Cold and snow not enough to deter
Canada's national soccer team or its fans
CBC/Radio-Canada 
© Submitted by Michelle Peters-Jones Aditi Jones, 14, was wrapped in her warmest clothes and Canadian pride as she watched Canada defeat Mexico in a World Cup qualifying match at Commonwealth Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite the snow and frigid temperatures in Edmonton Tuesday, Commonwealth Stadium was packed with fans for the FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Canadian Men's National Soccer Team and Mexico.

Perhaps the weather gave the Canadians the advantage, or it was the emergence of several Canadian soccer superstars. Whatever the case, it resulted in a stunning 2-1 victory for the home team and another step toward next year's World Cup in Qatar.

"I'll never forget this," said head coach John Herdman in an interview posted online by Canada Soccer. "The snow, the crowd, the Mexicans, just brilliant."

Herdman did not hesitate when asked if the weather gave Canada a leg up.

"Absolutely. No one wants to play in that, especially the Mexicans," he said. "First time I think we've beaten them in decades; so just proud, just a proud night for the lads."

The snow even became part of the celebration when Canadian defender Sam Adekugbe dove into a bank at the side of the pitch after a goal.

While the weather may have prevented some out of town fans from getting to the match, 44,212 made it into the stands, including Edmontonian Michelle Peters-Jones and her 14-year-old daughter Aditi Jones.

"Oh my goodness, it was so absolutely insane, the atmosphere was electric," she said. "The game itself was so amazing."

Peters-Jones describes it as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Especially against a really good team like Mexico which is rated ninth in the FIFA list," she said. "Winning against them, I can't even describe the emotions."

Peters-Jones grew up in India and has traditionally cheered for England in World Cup play but her allegiances are shifting.

"I have to add Canada to the list because I've been living in Canada for the last 11 years," she said. "I've been really interested in the way the Canadian men's and women's teams have performed on the international stage."

Peters-Jones has no doubt the weather worked to Canada's advantage.

"You've got to be prepared that Edmonton in November is going to have some snow storms; it's going to have some serious winter issues," she said. "I think it really worked in our favour because our boys are definitely more used to the cold than Mexico was."

Peters-Jones admits it was a bit of a challenge for her as well, given she grew up in a tropical climate.

"I think I had every single item in my wardrobe on me," she said. "I'm not really used to the cold even though I say I'm an Edmontonian now."
'We were jumping up and down'

The excitement and the enthusiasm in the crowd also helped.

"We were all cheering really heavily, we were jumping up and down, we were banging on drums, we were waving flags," Peters-Jones said. "It kept us warm."

She believes Canada's success in soccer, and Edmonton's changing demographics are helping to draw more interest.

"Edmonton has a lot of immigrant families and a lot of us bring the sport with us because soccer is a game that's pretty universal," she said. "We don't need a lot of equipment for it, just a ball and a pitch."

Luca Mosele, whose family owns the Eurosport Soccer Stores in Edmonton, agrees interest in the sport is growing.

"People were always coming by here looking for Canadian gear towards the matches," he said.

"It gives the kids something to look up to now that the national team program is top quality. It excites kids, maybe something to strive for in the future, or even just something to excite them to play locally."

Coach Herdman thanked the fans, the city and the country for the support.

"The whole time we've been here they've made it our fortress," he said. "We've had the Oilers helping us, we've had messages from Gretzky, we've had the PM visiting us."

"It's just been memories to cherish. As sort of an honorary Canadian now, these are some of the best moments of my life."


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