World Cup 2014 Qualifying: Canada vs. Honduras

Canada’s 2014 World Cup qualifying chances come down to Tuesday’s game in Honduras. If the Canadians can earn a draw, they will go through into the final qualifying stage. If they lose, their dream is over. Panama has already clinched top spot in Group C, leaving Canada and Honduras to battle for the final spot. Canada heads into Tuesday’s game with 10 points from five games, two better than Honduras. Canada last made it to the final round of World Cup qualifying in 1997 and had the side’s only appearance in the World Cup in 1986. Sports Interaction has Honduras listed as a -125 favourite Tuesday. The draw is priced at +230.

Canada Riding Momentum

Canada earned a 3-0 win over a shorthanded Cuban side Friday at BMO Field in Toronto. The Canadians attacked relentlessly throughout the match and put 14 of their 35 shot attempts on goal, but should have scored at least a few more times. Cuba played the match with just 11 players and no subs to choose from. The Cubans also went down a man in the second half due to a red card. Three of Cuba’s players who didn’t play in the match are rumoured to have defected in Canada.

New Kid in Town

One downside to Canada’s win over Cuba was the red card that Olivier Occean picked up in the second half. With Occean now suspended for Tuesday’s match, the Canadian side recalled 19-year-old striker Lucas Cavallini. He joined the team in Honduras Sunday. Cavallini won his first senior cap in August, coming on as a substitute against Trinidad and Tobago, but it remains to see how he will factor in Tuesday’s match. While the youngster’s certainly talented, coach Stephen Hart may opt for Iain Hume’s experience, at least to start the match.

In Hostile Grounds

Earning a point in Honduras isn’t going to be easy for Canada. The club reportedly shipped its own food and water on the team’s Saturday flight and the pitch for Tuesday’s game is notoriously nasty on visiting sides. “Probably the most hostile atmosphere I’ve ever played in,”’ defender Andre Hainault recalled about the stadium after playing there four years ago. “I can remember coming out for the game and you’re in this kind of caged tunnel and there’s people climbing all over it, shaking it, breathing on you. I won’t say spitting on you but not far off.”

Prediction

The fact that Canada finally scored a few goals last week should help the team’s confidence in Honduras. Canadian supporters would feel much more comfortable heading into this match if Dwayne De Rosairio was fit, but Cavallini could bring a spark if called upon. Final score: Canada 1, Honduras 1.