CONCACAF WCQ: Canada Stands Up To México

The match began with the news that Jamaica was defeating Honduras, which meant that if México wanted to seal their advancement to the Hexagonal they needed a victory, anything else would complicate their qualification and leave it all for the last group match against Honduras.

With no further qualification options, the Canucks gave their best performance in their last home match of qualification, to treat their faithful to one final joy after their elimination from World Cup contention.  

For México, playing against an eliminated Canada was like a double-edged sword, while it had its advantages the Canadians proved more dangerous because they played without any pressure.

The Canadian offense of Ali Gerba and Tomasz Radzinski was too fast and quickly made evident the deficiencies of the México defense as well as the complacency of goalkeeper and captain Oswaldo Sánchez.  Canada captain Paul Stalteri was a constant threat on the right side towards the end of the match, with dangerous runs and a powerful shot  that shook the crossbar.

México was forced to propose the attack after the tactic-changing Gerba goal they received early in the match, they failed to react and began to lose possession of the ball, control and lacked depth up top.  Still, the tireless Andrés Guardado was a constant threat on the left side despite the personal marking by Adrián Serioux, and was easily the best man on the pitch.

Something that lacked in Mexico's away loss to Jamaica was attitude and garra, but through Torrado's hard play in the midfield, Salcido's power in defense and the awaited appearance of youngster Giovani dos Santos, el Tri fought their way back after being down in the score twice. 

In the tying goal of the match, Salcido gave a long pass to dos Santos who brillianty served a cross to naturalized forward Vicente Matías Vuoso for his first goal in a México jersey and tie the game at two in the 64 minute.  

Canada gave a notable performance with quality plays and a great balance on all lines that complicated the match for a México, who reacted to the deficit in the score, displayed character and garra and who will have to suffer to earn their qualification when they visit Honduras on November 19.

With no teams in the Hexagonal with a match remaining, Group 2 has proven to be the "Group of Death" and all will be decided on the last matchday between Jamaica, Honduras and México.

Full Report To Follow.....


Goals
CAN:  Ali Gerba (12); Tomasz Radzinski (49)
MEX:  Carlos Salcido (34); Vicente Matías Vuoso (64)

Canada
Lars Hirschfeld; Kevin Harmse, Andre Hainault, Richard Hastings, Mike Klukowski, Paul Stalteri, Adrián Serioux, Patrice Bernier, Marcel de Jong (Chris Pozniak '38), Ali Gerba, Tomasz Radzinski

México
Oswaldo Sánchez; Ricardo Osorio, Aarón Galindo, Jonny Magallón, Carlos Salcido, Andrés Guardado, Gerardo Torrado, Luis Ernesto Pérez (Vicente Matías Vuoso '54), Fernando Arce (Carlos Ochoa '82), Giovani dos Santos, Carlos Vela (Omar Bravo '67)

César García covers México for goal.com.