After beating the United States for the first time in the World Cup qualifiers, Panama will be hoping for at least a point that will keep them in the direct qualifying zone when they visit Canada on Wednesday for the sixth date of CONCACAF. octagonal diameter
The Panamanians celebrated intensely on Sunday with their 1-0 victory over the Americans, the same day that marked the fourth anniversary of their first World Cup qualification. But they immediately began to think of the difficult confrontation in Toronto against Canada, which remains alongside Mexico as the unbeaten side of the octagon.
With Mexico moving up the table with 11 points, Panama is in third place with eight points, the same number of units as the United States, although surpassed in goal difference. It is followed by Canada (7), Costa Rica (6), El Salvador (5), Honduras (3) and Jamaica (2).
A draw will keep the Panamanians in the top three regardless of other results.
On their last trip to Canada for a World Cup qualifier, heading to Brazil 2014, Panama lost 1-0 to the North American team, which has changed a lot since then. The Canadians, with their co-stars Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) and Jonathan David (Lille), are among the favorites to win one of the three direct tickets. Fourth goes to the Intercontinental Playoff.
“It will be a difficult match,” Panamanian winger Cesar Yannis, of Real Zaragoza, of Spain’s second division, admitted. “Canada is a strong and fast team and we will work on that.”
Panama made a promising start from the hands of Danish-Spanish coach Thomas Christiansen, although they lost 1-0 before their resounding victory over the United States on the road to El Salvador.
Canada comes after beating El Salvador 3-0 at home and drawing with Mexico (1-1) and Jamaica (0-0) in its last three matches. Their encounter against Panama will be followed by two more home games against Costa Rica and Mexico in November.
“It’s a very difficult group stage,” said Canadian captain John Herdman. “Our goal is to be in the top three or top three in November.”
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