MIAMI.- World Cup qualification in the Concacaf region continues on Sunday with four critical matches, as teams that have started hot will look to pad their advantage in the table between themselves and their rivals for the three automatic places for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Meanwhile, those currently sitting near the bottom of the table will be aiming to jump back into the fray.
Jamaica vs Canada
For the first time in more than a decade, Jamaica and Canada will come together in World Cup qualification when they square off at Independence Park in Kingston. The last time the sides met on the road to the FIFA World Cup was ahead of the 2010 tournament in South Africa, with Luton Shelton, Marlon King and Omar Cummings scoring in a 3-0 victory. This is the first meeting between the teams in the final round of qualification since Jamaica’s successful quest for France 1998.
This time around, Jamaica is coming off an adverse result, staying on one point after a 2-0 loss to the United States, while Canada was able to earn a point against Mexico in a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Azteca, taking it to six points through four matches.
Both teams are getting reinforcements, with Anthony Grant set to step into the midfield for the Reggae Boyz, while Junior Hoilett strengthens Canada’s attack.
R: Keylor Herrera (CRC)
AR1 Carlos Fernandez (CRC)
AR2 William Arrieta (CRC)
4th Official Juan Gabriel Calderon (CRC)
Costa Rica vs El Salvador
Costa Rica has enjoyed success all-time against El Salvador, with an advantage in the overall series (with 41 wins, 12 defeats and 15 draws) and in World Cup qualification (6W-3L-5D), but currently the Ticos are looking up at La Selecta in the table after El Salvador topped Panama 1-0 at home on Thursday thanks to a goal from Enrico Duenas.
The Central American squads faced off just two months ago in a friendly that ended 0-0, but there’s more on the line at San Jose’s Estadio Nacional. Costa Rica is seeking its first win in qualification, coming off a scoreless draw in Honduras in which GK Keylor Navas was the standout player.
R: Said Martinez (HON)
AR1: Walter Lopez (HON)
AR2: Christian Ramirez (HON)
4th Official: Selvin Brown (HON)
Panama vs USA
Panama welcomes the United States to the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City looking for a first-ever win over the Stars and Stripes in World Cup qualification, with the U.S. winning six and drawing two all-time in WCQ.
The Central Americans have four points but return home after a 1-0 loss to El Salvador, while the North Americans are on a two-match winning streak and sit atop the table thanks to victories against Honduras and Jamaica.
Panama will look to add to its only win in history against the U.S., a 2-1 triumph in the 2011 Gold Cup group stage in which U.S. DF Clarence Goodson had a goal and an own goal, while Gabriel Gomez notched the winner for Panama.
R: Cesar Ramos (MEX)
AR1: Alberto Martin (MEX)
AR2: Miguel Hernandez (MEX)
4th Official: Adonai Escobedo (MEX)
Mexico vs Honduras
The latest chapter will be written in the long history of Mexico facing Honduras in World Cup qualification, as the teams meet at the Estadio Azteca for the 23rd time in WCQ. El Tricolor holds the all-time advantage with 11 wins, six defeats and five draws all-time in qualification.
Neither team’s fan base needs reminding of the famous “Aztecazo” when Jerry Bengtson and Carlo Costly scored to give Los Catrachos their only victory on Mexican soil, 2-1.
After a 0-0 draw at home on Thursday against Costa Rica, Honduras attacker Alberth Elis, who scored in the most recent qualification match against Mexico, a 3-2 victory for Honduras in San Pedro Sula on the final day of WCQ for Russia 2018, will hope to lead the Central Americans to another big result in Mexico City.
R: Ismail Elfath (USA)
AR1: Corey Parker (USA)
AR2 Kyle Atkins (USA)
4th Official: Rubiel Vazquez (USA)
