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Canada (after 36 years), the United States, and Mexico qualified this Sunday directly for the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Costa Rica secured its place in the playoffs against a team from Oceania.
On this thirteenth and penultimate date of the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, the Reds celebrated their return to the World Cup as leaders of the qualifying round after their participation in Mexico ’86 and the Ticos their confirmation in the fourth position for a place in the playoffs.
Panama, on the other hand, lost 5-1 to the United States in Orlando and was eliminated with one game to spare.
Canada returns to the World Cup 36 years later
Canada defeated Jamaica 4-0 to qualify for Qatar 2022, the second senior event in its history and the second since the 1986 tournament in Mexico.
Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Junior Hoilett made the miracle happen in a match without equivalences played in Toronto, and whose dominance was endorsed with a goal by Jamaican Adrian Mariappa.
The match of the penultimate day of the final round of the CONCACAF qualifiers was played at BMO Field, also known as Canada’s National Stadium.
Costa Rica to play-offs
The team coached by Colombian Luis Fernando Suárez won 1-2 against El Salvador at the Cuscatlán Stadium and secured fourth place in the playoffs.
With goals by Anthony Contreras in the 30th minute and Joel Campbell at the end of the first half, the Ticos confirmed their good performance.
Mexico: a regular on the world stage
Edson Álvarez, with a goal in the 70th minute, sealed Mexico’s early qualification for the World Cup in Qatar with a 1-0 win over Honduras.
The match at the Olympic Stadium in San Pedro, like many others in the final phase, was not an eye-catching one for Gerardo Martino’s team.
United States beats Panama
The United States qualified for the World Cup after defeating Panama 5-1 to reach 25 points, leaving Panamanians without a chance.
The team coached by Gregg Berhalter took the lead with a goal by Chelsea striker Christian Pulisic on penalty in the 17th minute, and extended the difference through Paul Arriola, from FC Dallas of the MLS, in the 23rd minute.
The 3-0 lead came in the 27th minute of the first half through Jesus Ferreira, Arriola’s teammate at the Texan club.
The first half ended with a second Pulisic penalty goal in the 45+4 minute and the hat-trick for Pulisic, star of the reigning Champions League champion, came in the 65th minute.
Aníbal Godoy scored for the Central Americans in the 86th minute.
