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Canada Qualifies for World Cup
The Canada men’s football team qualified for their first World Cup since 1986 after beating Jamaica 4-0 on Sunday.
The victory means Canada are assured of finishing in one of the top three qualification places in the final stage of Concacaf qualifying for Qatar 2022.
Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan sent Canada 2-0 up at the break in Toronto before Junior Hoilett and an Adrian Mariappa own goal sealed the win.
The victory led to jubilant scenes amongst the sell-out crowd at BMO Field as Canada clinched World Cup qualification for only the second time.
In 1986, Les Rouges finished bottom of their group in Mexico, without winning a point.
English coach John Herdman has guided Canada to Qatar in his first qualifying campaign in charge.
“We just qualified for the World Cup, this is a legit football country,” said Herdman.
“When I first took over and I said, ‘We’re going to qualify for the World Cup’, I don’t think they believed us. I’m happy for them because all of these fans have waited and waited and waited, and hung in with us – and we’re going.
“I think this country never believed in us because we’ve given them nothing to believe in. They believe now.
“This is the time for everyone to get behind football and unite because we can be a powerhouse.”
Mexico and the US are favourites to secure the other two automatic qualification spots, needing only a draw against El Salvador and Costa Rica respectively on Wednesday to book their places in Qatar.
/Stewart Sports news editor
