Mexico vs Canada
Mexico’s lead in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup 2022 qualifying will be under serious threat when they host second-place Canada at the Estadio Azteca.
The two just met in July in the Gold Cup semi-finals, where Mexico only won 2-1 with a dramatic goal nine minutes into stoppage time.
However, that match was missing many of the big stars on both sides. This time, though, the likes of Raul Jimenez and Hirving Lozano will be available for Mexico as they prepare for a star-studded showdown against Canada’s exciting youngsters, Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.
Talking Points
Jimenez, Chucky return to lead El Tri attack
Mexico have bounced back well since their extra-time defeat to the US in the Gold Cup final. They have begun the final round of World Cup qualifying undefeated, with two wins against Jamaica (2-1) and Costa Rica (0-1) and a draw at Panama (1-1) in their most recent outing.
Much like in the Gold Cup, Mexico coach Tata Martino had to make do without two of his top strikers – Raul Jimenez and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano – for those first three qualifying matches.
Midfielder Hector Herrera – who scored the dramatic winner against Canada in the Gold Cup semi – and experienced defender Hector Moreno were also notables absentee during last month’s qualifiers. But all four are back in the squad for this latest round of qualifiers, which should give El Tri quite a boost.
Jimenez’s return will be particularly sweet. The 30-year-old striker is set to represent his country for the first time since suffering a serious skull fracture last year. And he will be keen to add to his 27 career international goals after scoring for the first time since the injury in Wolves’ 1-0 win over Southampton.
Lozano’s recall will also be massive for the Mexican attack. The 26-year-old suffered his own serious and life-threatening head injury in the opening game of the Gold Cup but has since regained top form. He already has two goals and two assists to help table-topping Napoli in Serie A.
Canada’s young stars together again
Canada has had quite an impressive 2021. First, they reached the Gold Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2007 and pushed Mexico hard despite missing three of their top stars: Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies, and Cyle Larin.
And now, their quest to reach the World Cup for the first time since their only trip in 1986 is off to a good start. The Canadians are currently in second spot in the Octagonal after back-to-back 1-1 draws against Honduras and the US, and a 3-0 win over El Salvador.
David, who missed their entire Gold Cup run due to injury, continued his impressive World Cup qualifying campaign by scoring against the Salvadorans. The 21-year-old now has a whopping 16 goals in 19 caps for his country, five of which have come in this qualifying campaign.
David has also been in fantastic form to start the season for reigning French champions Lille. He’s the current co-leading scorer in Ligue 1 with six goals.
David will now look to make more World Cup 2022 highlights with other promising Canadian forwards such as Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Cyle Larin, who also missed the Mexico semi with injuries. Larin, who went down in the group stage, had three goals in the Gold Cup and leads the entire CONCACAF with nine qualifying goals.
Canada will be missing two Britain-based stars in veteran forward Junior Hoilett and midfielder David Wotherspoon for the Mexico match due to quarantine requirements. But the Canadians still possess a host of capable options to call upon in their absence.
Like David, Lucas Cavallini has also scored five goals in qualifying. Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio, who has started 11 of 13 games for his country, had three goals in the Gold Cup run. And 22-year-old winger Tajon Buchanan scored Canada’s equaliser against Mexico in the semi-final.
History
Canada have simply not been competitive against Mexico in many of their head-to-heads. El Tri have a massive 22-3 advantage in terms of wins, with eight draws.
Moreover, Mexico have won their last five meetings against the Canadians and are unbeaten in their last 10 matchups. Canada’s last win over their North American rivals was all the way back in 2000.
Betting Tip
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Mexico vs Canada | 1X2 Draw @ 3.55 |
| October 8, 09:40 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP World Cup 2022 betting odds have Mexico installed as big 1.55 favourites to beat Canada, who are pegged at 5.80. Meanwhile, a draw is at 3.55.
Clearly, the return of both Jimenez and Chucky Lozano have made a huge difference in the odds as they make Mexico’s attack all the more lethal. And coupled with the fierce home advantage they enjoy at the Azteca, El Tri will be tough to beat.
However, Canada do have the weapons to threaten their hosts. With the pace of both Davies and David, Mexico must be wary of Canadian counterattacks.
The fact that Mexico will be at home makes it hard to see them losing. But I can see another very competitive match between these two teams, and unlike in the Gold Cup semi-final, I predict that Canada can hold on to claim a draw after 90 minutes.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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