A double from Cyle Larin ensured the hosts scored their first win over Mexico in more than 20 years, a victory that sent Canada to the top of the CONCACAF qualifying group.
Canada hasn’t participated in a Men’s World Cup since 1986 but is so far unbeaten in the final qualifying rounds – four wins and four draws – with just six games left.
“Great night. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric and the boys went out there and played hard,” said Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson, who broke the Canucks’ all-time appearance record after making his first attempt. put on his 90th coat.
“We left everything on the pitch. We know how important this game is and we want to go out there and make a statement.
“The work ethic that we’re bringing in, it’s something special. I haven’t seen anything like this.”
‘We all grew up in this weather’
Only three teams automatically qualified for the World Cup outside of the CONCACAF region with the fourth-placed team entering the knockout stages.
Canada is currently one point ahead of the US, and Mexico and Panama are just two points behind.
But morale at Camp Canada was high, as was evident when the players celebrated their second goal by jumping into the snow piled up on the side of the field.
“The fans came out for us today and supported us in the cold. We’ve all grown up in this weather, so we’re used to it,” Larin said after the game.
In fact, Mexico can and should probably spoil the party in Edmonton.
Hector Herrera cut the deficit in half in the 90th minute before Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan made a crucial save to prevent the visitors from sending the ball wide with seconds left on the clock.
Canada’s next qualifying match is against Honduras on January 27, 2022, before taking on the United States three days later.
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