Canada beats El Salvador in World Cup soccer qualifying

Atiba Hutchinson (Resul Guncicegi, Wikimedia Commons)

Team Canada defeated El Salvador 2-0 in World Cup soccer qualifying on Wednesday. With the win, Canada moved one step closer in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in men’s soccer tournament for only the second time ever in the history of the nation. They previously qualified in 1986 in Mexico.

However, what the Canadian victory over El Salvador did ensure was at least a fourth place spot in CONCACAF qualifying. Canada is now at 25 points, and in first place in the CONCACAF group. The previous sentence is not a misprint. Canada is actually in first place. The United States and Mexico are tied for second place with 21 points. They are followed by Panama at 17 points and Costa Rica at 16 points. The top three teams qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the fourth place team advancing to an Interconfederation playoff.

In Wednesday’s win, Canada received a goal in the 66th minute by 38 year-old midfielder Atiba Hutchinson of Brampton, Ontario. Then in the extra time of the second half, Canada received a key insurance marker from Jonathan David.

Canada’s final three games will be on March 24 in Costa Rica, March 27 against Jamaica, and March 30 in Panama. The site within Canada against Jamaica has not yet been announced.

 

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