Canada vs. Qatar: International Friendly Odds, Prediction

Daniel Coyle
September 22, 2022

The contest is the first of three pre-tournament friendlies for Canada against World Cup-calibre competition, and also provides a showcase for players from both sides seeking to claim a roster spot at Qatar 2022.

Canada enter their first match since mid-June perched as -115 favourites to win on the international friendly odds, while Qatar lag as +258 underdogs. The total is listed at 2.5, with and is pegged as a -145 to go UNDER.

Canada -149
Draw +273
Qatar +367

Canada vs. Qatar Betting Analysis

Friday afternoon’s matchup at Generali Arena in Vienna, Austria marks the first ever meeting between these national squads. Canada hit the turf looking to regain the impressive form they enjoyed during CONCACAF World Cup qualifying after just two victories over their past five outings across all competitions. The Canadians have been limited to one or fewer goals in each of their three recent defeats, but have also kept clans sheets in five of their past eight overall. Qatar have struggled since their steady run to a third place finish at the 2021 Arab Cup.

The Maroon have earned the win in just two of seven overall outings since the conclusion of that tournament, capped by a 3-0 loss to Croatia’s U-23 squad in Austria earlier this week. Overall, Qatar shooters have been held off the scoresheet in four of their past eight outings. However, three or more total goals have been scored on five occasions over that stretch.

Canada Side to Feature New Faces

With the benefit of an expanded 27-man roster, Canada will use both Friday’s date with Qatar and next Tuesday’s match with Uruguay to get a long last look at players vying for spots on the squad’s World Cup roster. Particularly those currently playing for European clubs. The most highly anticipated appearance could be made by Luca Koleosho. The 18-year-old midfielder was called up to the national squad for scheduled dates with Panama and Iran but saw his debut delayed by the cancellation of those matches. Koleosho has been used sparingly since his recent debut with Espanyol of Spain’s La Liga. And considering his ongoing relationship with the US national team, these upcoming contests could influence which country he ultimately decides to join in international play.

Another notable debut is expected to be made by Joel Waterman. The 26-year-old has emerged as a stalwart defender for CF Montreal, where he has established himself as one of the league’s premier passers. The duo will join a Canadian leadership group anchored by Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Cyle Larin, who led the way with 13 goals during World Cup qualifying. However, injuries will keep both veteran midfielders Atiba Hutchinson and David Wotherspoon on the shelf for at the next two matches.

Wins Scarce for Qatar in Recent Friendlies

Qatar will be aiming to atone for their dismal performance in this week’s 3-0 loss to Croatia’s U-23 squad. The Maroon fell behind quickly in that contest, surrendering two goals in the first 16 minutes. However, the Canadians cannot afford to look past this year’s World Cup hosts, who held their own as invitees to last year’s Gold Cup, racking up a 3-1-1 record, including victories over Panama and El Salvador, followed by a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to the United States.

Almoez Ali powered the attack for the Maroon at the Gold Cup, tallying a team-leading four goals, and added six markers in eight World Cup Asian qualifiers. However, Ali has been used sparingly in Qatar’s past three outings, starting just once over that stretch, and didn’t see action until the second half of this week’s loss to Croatia.