Canada vs. Curacao: CONCACAF Nations League Odds, Prediction

Daniel Coyle
June 9, 2022

The Canadians are coming off an epic performance in FIFA World Cup qualifying, earning a spot on the big stage for the first time in almost four decades. And while Canada were blanked while falling to defeat in two of their final three qualifying clashes, they have outscored opponents by a wide 16-2 margin while tallying wins in six straight home contests. Curacao is coming off a steady 2-1 victory over Honduras in last week’s Nations League action. The victory snapped a six-match winless stretch, and also marked the club’s first road victory in over a year.

The Canucks have emerged as massive -625 favourites in their first home date since March, while Curacao lag as distant +1300 underdogs. Canada is also pegged as a short -105 bet to cover as 2-point chalk. The total is favoured to go OVER 2.5, with -169 odds.

Canada -526
Draw +480
Curacao +1100

Canada vs. Curacao Nations League Betting Analysis

Thursday night’s matchup at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver marks the first meeting between these clubs in four years, and just their second all-time clash. Canada eked out a narrow 2-1 comeback victory when they hosted Curacao in a 2017 friendly at Montreal’s Saputo Stadium. Canada has kept clean sheets 15 times during their current 23-2-0 run on home turf. The club has also claimed victory by multi-goal margins in six of their past nine contests. Scoring has come at a premium for Curacao, who have found the back of the net just five times over their past eight outings. However, the total has reached 3.0 or higher in eight of their past 11 outings.

Canada

Off-field distractions could emerge as a concern for Canada heading into their Nations League opener. Embroiled in a dispute over World Cup compensation, Canadian players refused to take the pitch for a friendly against Panama last week. And while they are set to play on Thursday, the issue remains far from resolved. Cyle Larin led the Canadian attack during World Cup qualifying, scoring 13 goals, but has potted just one total marker in his past eight overall outings. Rising star Alphonso Davies is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday after being sidelined since January with a heart condition.

Curacao

While scoring has been limited in recent outings, one Curacao striker has shown signs of heating up. Anthony van den Hurk potted the match winner in last week’s 2-1 win over Honduras, and has now potted three total goals in his past four outings across all competitions. Eloy Room has been steady in the Curacao goal, allowing just five total goals over his past eight appearances.