The Canadian men’s national team’s magical World Cup Qualifying run had another spell to cast on Sunday afternoon, as they triumphed 2-0 in Hamilton, Ontario over the United States to extend their lead atop the Concacaf Octagonal round with just four matches left to play. Cyle Larin got the hosts on the board with a dream start just seven minutes in, as a quick piece of transitional linkup play worked like a charm to make it 1-0.
Canada weathered a storm throughout the game, holding firm under pressure (with some help from goalkeeper Milan Borjan, of course) and keeping the Americans’ high-profile attackers at bay. At last, on the absolute brink of the fulltime whistle, it was Samuel Adekugbe who delivered in spectacular fashion, seizing on a ball in the U.S. half and blasting a a strike from the top of the box past the visiting ‘keeper to put the 2-0 result on ice.
CanPL.ca Player of the Match
Sam Adekugbe, Canada
Would’ve been a serious candidate here even without the stoppage-time heroics; Adekugbe stepped up yet again for Canada. He was fearless defensively, handling the very real American threat very capably. He made a few vital blocks, including one with his face in stoppage time, before putting the final nail in the coffin.
What’s next?
Canada will now head back down to Central America, where they’ll take on El Salvador at Estadio Cuscatlán this Wednesday, February 2 (9:00 pm ET).
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