PREVIEW – The confident CanMNT just qualified for just their second-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. The last time the CanMNT made the World Cup was in Mexico in 1986.
The confident CanMNT team faces Panama
That’s what I’m talking about! Congratulations to the Canada men’s national soccer team – taking us to the World Cup for the first time in 36 years. #CANMNT https://t.co/nSnP88GGEg
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 27, 2022
CanMNT
It is important to note that the CanMNT still has things to play for. The most important point right now is the Octagonal World Cup Qualifying standings. USA and Mexico are three points behind Canada for the top spot of the Octagon. The tiebreaker will be goal differential. Canada is +17, USMNT is +13, and Mexico is +7.
BMO was LIT at the full-time whistle!! 🔥🇨🇦
We are Canada. And together, #WeCan. #CANMNT #WCQ pic.twitter.com/q0YLoPtmcr
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 28, 2022
They scored four goals against Jamaica. There were three different goal-scorers for Canada, while the fourth goal was an own goal by Jamaica. This is what Herdman said about the victory according to BeSoccer:
This is what John Herdman said after winning the game 4-0 over Jamaica. As a result, they are going to the FIFA Men’s World Cup for the first time since 1986. They have ended a 36-year drought and for the first time ever, likely be in the two-straight FIFA Men’s World Cup. This is because the CanMNT will likely qualify as a co-host, along with the U.S., and Mexico.
Panama
There was hope for Panama before March began of at least getting the Intercontinental spot. However, Panama will not make their second-straight FIFA World Cup appearance as they dropped five points in their first two games. This is while Costa Rica collected all six points, including winning 1-0 at home against the CanMNT.
¡A CERRAR BIEN EN CASA!💪🏼
Finaliza con derrota el encuentro entre #PanamáMayor🇵🇦 y los 🇺🇸.
Gracias por su entrega y lucha durante estos 90 minutos.
¡Cabeza arriba y ahora vamos por esa última victoria en el 🏟Rommel, Panamá!
🇺🇸 5-1 🇵🇦
⚽️ Aníbal Godoy#TodosSomosPanamá pic.twitter.com/W50SSmCKzW— FEPAFUT (@fepafut) March 28, 2022
This is what Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen said about the loss to the U.S. according to Rubén Sáinz of Tuden:
The confident CanMNT looks to close out CWCQ strong
Prediction: Panama 0, CanMNT 2
It is not going to be an easy game. However, Canada has it within them to win the game against Panama. Since Panama was eliminated and demoralized by the USMNT on Monday, the pressure of playing in Panama will not be as intense.
IT'S A PARTY IN CANADA. 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/zba0R1Mpjx
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 27, 2022
A draw would guarantee that Canada qualifies as the top Concacaf team in World Cup qualifying. This is while a win against Panama would make it likely that Canada finishes in pot three for the FIFA World Cup draw on Friday.
It is highly unlikely that Mexico will top Canada in World Cup qualifying. For the U.S. though, it is possible, even though that is also unlikely via goal differential. Since 1998, there were only three nations to win the Concacaf World Cup qualifying. These countries are the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica.
The game kicks off between the CanMNT and Panama at 9:05 p.m. ET. The game will be shown live on Sportsnet and also on OneSoccer. It will take place at Estadio Olímpico Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez in Panama City, Panama.
Photo Credit: Canada Soccer by Martin Bazyl on March 27, 2022.
