Soccer: Canada Looks to Seize Opportunity Against Honduras

Having pulled off a rare win at Cuba, Canada’s hopes of reaching the next stage of World Cup qualification are alive and well. Tuesday’s home game against Honduras however could play a big role in deciding whether Stephen Hart’s team makes it to the final stage of CONCACAF qualifiers.

Part one out of the way
Despite being ranked 68 spots higher than Cuba in the eyes of FIFA, Canada went to Havana more in hope than expectation last weekend. The Canadian Soccer team had won just once at Cuba in the previous 55 years. History however was made on the Caribbean island however as Olivier Occean connected with a bullet header to score from David Edgar’s beautiful cross.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezjLwndGX9c[/youtube]

The goal ensured 10-man Canada, who had goalkeeper Lars Hirschfield sent off for handling outside the box, came home with maximum points. Canada’s second game in this group stage promises to be a lot tougher. Honduras, who qualified for the 2010 World Cup, visit BMO Field badly in need of a win.

A step up
With Panama and Honduras both ranked above Canada, upsets are going to have to happen for this team to progress. Tuesday provides arguably the best chance as Canada gets a shot at Honduras on home soil. Wilson Palacios will provide a dangerous presence for Honduras in midfield. Palacios plays with Stoke City of the English Premier League, giving him experience at the highest level. He could form a dangerous partnership with Sporting Kansas City’s Roger Espinoza

Having lost 2-0 to Panama in their opening game, the Hondurans need a win to get their World Cup campaign back on track. Stephen Hart is well aware of the danger posed by a team looking to rebound from defeat but is confident of his side’s chances. “They’re a wounded animal but Honduras has too much experience to be desperate. They’re going to come in here thinking it’s only Canada and they can get a result here,” he told the Toronto Sun.

A big prize
The scale of what’s at stake for Canada can’t be underestimated. A win today and they will be in pole position to make the final qualifying stage for the first time since their World Cup 98 campaign. For Canadian Soccer this could prove a breakthrough campaign but home wins will be vital in order to progress. Right now the Hondurans are down and a second defeat would leave them with a mountain to climb while Canada would have progress to the next phases within reach.

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