Will the USA take the lead in the standings?
The first international break means stress for the teams from North and Central America. In the fight for tickets to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, three qualifying matches are on the agenda. Time for regeneration? Not a chance. After the first match was played in the night from Thursday to Friday, there is already the explosive neighbourly duel between Canada and the USA on Sunday evening.
In total, North and Central America have three fixed World Cup tickets up for grabs, and the fourth-placed team has the opportunity to also reward itself with a place at the finals via a play-off. Both teams have the best chance of securing one of these coveted three tickets. If Panama slip up, the winner of this duel could take a big step towards Qatar. Although Canada has yet to lose a game (5-4-0 record), the lowest betting odds are offered between Canada and the USA on an away win.
Canada lose a lot of quality, especially with the loss of Davies, but the USA also have a squad that is stronger across the board. The game in this neighbourly duel at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field kicks off at 9:05 pm on Sunday evening.
Canada – Statistics & current form
Football is by no means the number one sport in Canada and accordingly it is not surprising that the national team has not yet made a big international appearance. The Canucks were only represented in Mexico in 1986, but their performance was not particularly successful, with three defeats. In recent years, however, “soccer” has experienced a real boom in Canada and the current results are the logical consequence of this.
Canada still without defeat
After nine of 14 games played, head coach John Herdman’s team is in first place in the North American Qualifiers. The Canadians have not lost a game so far, with five wins and four draws. The team was initially the draw king, as four of the first five games ended in a draw. Recently, however, the current number 40 in the FIFA World Ranking has been in impressive form and celebrated four qualifying victories in a row.
In the night from Thursday to Friday, they managed a relatively effortless 2-0 away victory at last-place Honduras. The fifth win in nine games kept them at the top of the table, one point ahead of the USA and two points ahead of Mexico. Thanks to Panama’s defeat by Costa Rica, the lead over play-off place four is now five points. A comfortable starting position and the second World Cup participation is within reach.
Superstar Davis missing in the most important phase
The absence of Bayern star Alphonso Davies is particularly bitter these days. The most valuable Canadian has to take an even longer break due to his heart muscle inflammation and will not be able to make his contribution in the decisive phase. With Lille attacker Jonathan David there is a second top star in the own ranks, who also appeared as a goal scorer in the victory in Honduras.
In addition to the two top stars, there are some exciting personnel, but the USA are certainly stronger across the board than the home side. Accordingly, the forecast for the neighbourly duel between Canada and the USA is more in the direction of the visitors. Value is not in evidence despite the very good form in the home win.
Predicted line-up of Canada:
Borjan – Hutchinson, Vitoria, Adekugbe, Johnston – David, Larin, Buchanan, Hoilett, Piette – Kennedy
Last matches played by Canada:
World Cup Qualifiers CONCACAF Finals
01/28 2022 – Honduras 0 – 2 Canada
11/17 2021 – Canada 2 – 1 Mexico
11/13 2021 – Canada 1 – 0 Costa Rica
10/14 2021 – Canada 4 – 1 Panama
10/11 2021 – Jamaica 0 – 0 Canada
USA – Statistics & current form
The USA has been warned, as qualifying for the World Cup is not a foregone conclusion. A failure like four years ago must be avoided at all costs, but Gregg Berhalter’s team has not been able to put in convincing performances so far. The USA has had surprising problems, especially in away matches, and missed out on full success in both El Salvador (0-0) and Jamaica (1-1), for example.
Through the cold to the desert World Cup
Many fans of the US team were puzzled by the choice of venues these days. The home match against El Salvador was played in Columbus, the second home match (against Jamaica) during this date will be played in Minneapolis. Two places where it is currently the depths of winter. A conscious decision, as the opponents are used to warmer climatic conditions and the match in Hamilton against Canada will also be played in sub-zero temperatures.
Berhalter has called up 15 European legionnaires during this break who are familiar with these conditions. He hopes to have an advantage here and the El Salvador game should also serve as preparation for the top match against Canada. With players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams or Sergino Dest, the USA has a number of quality players at its disposal.
Hard-fought win against El Salvador
The cold also had its toll on the USA, but they eventually won their dress rehearsal 1-0 thanks to a goal from defender Antonee Robinson. Once again, head coach Gregg Berhalter’s team presented itself as minimalists. Scoring feasts are rare for the Americans. The last four games all ended with a score under 2.5
Since the top priority for both teams in this duel is not to lose, it is to be expected that the basic alignment will be relatively defensive. Accordingly, in the top match between Canada and the USA, it is obvious to predict that not both teams will score. The defensive lines will almost certainly dominate the action.
Predicted USA lineup:
Turner – Dest, Robinson, Richards, Zimmermann – McKennie, Adams, Musah, Weah – Pulisic, Fereira
Last USA matches:
World Cup Qualifiers CONCACAF Finals
01/28 2022 – USA 1 – 0 El Salvador
Friendly match
12/19 2021 – USA 1 – 0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
World Cup Qualifiers CONCACAF Finals
11/16 2021 – Jamaica 1 – 1 USA
11/13 2021 – USA 2 – 0 Mexico
10/14 2021 – USA 2 – 1 Costa Rica
Canada – USA Direct comparison / H2H balance
The two teams faced each other twice last year. However, the 1-0 win for the USA in the Gold Cup has no relevance for Sunday’s match, as both teams were without their big stars. The first leg of the current qualifier, in which the two teams parted with a 1-1 draw, has more significance. This was the first draw in the seventh World Cup qualifier, with both teams having previously won three each.
Canada – USA Tip
With Panama slipping, both teams have a very good chance of securing a World Cup ticket. However, the winner in this match can basically already look for accommodation in Qatar. With temperatures below freezing, no top level of play can be expected, and both teams will also be operating from a secure defensive position.
Tactics will play a big role in this neighbourly duel and a (long) feeling-out is to be expected. Despite the high quality of the offence, the preferred bet between Canada and the USA is that not both teams will score. For this, a bet of six units is selected. Due to the better squad width, the possibilities of a USA win or the less risky DNB2 are recommended in the top tips.
