World Cup 2022: The North American Summit

Canada vs USA

World Cup 2022: Canada vs USA pitches together the top two sides in the CONCACAF table; both are well on the way to qualification, along with Mexico, and while this isn’t a ‘Winner Takes All’ clash, the victors will take hold of the top place with just four games to play.

The hosts come into the match on the back of an impressive 2-0 win over Honduras, while the USA narrowly beat El Salvador 1-0, in a game they really should have won more convincingly, and the Maple Leafs will fancy their chances when the two sides meet in Hamilton on Sunday.

The pre-match Canada vs USA betting odds are telling us this is a tough game to call, with all three results in play and all at a price lower than odds of 3.00. And while USA sit a huge 29 places above Canada in the FIFA World Rankings (11^th and 40^th) this young Canada side will have plenty to say when they welcome their North American neighbours.

Talking Points

Canada’s Young Guns full of confidence

The Maple Leafs are still unbeaten in the qualifiers as they lead the CONCACAF qualifying league table on 19 points from nine games with USA and Mexico, who they have already beaten 2-1, in hot pursuit.

John Herdman’s young side is unbeaten in nine games, unbeaten at home in 13 and they have won the last four matches on the bounce; so they have plenty of stats to back up their confident mood. We expected Honduras to play a spoiling game against Canada but there was little they could do when the Maple Leafs constructed a brilliant goal to double their lead following an early own goal by the hosts. Veteran Keeper Milan Borjan made a brilliant save to preserve their advantage and then Canada’s young stars took the game away from Honduras.

22 year old Brugges striker Tajon Buchanan won the ball with a high press and released midfielder Liam Fraser. The 23 year old launched a pin point 40 yard ball which Jonathan David controlled with his head, before chipping the keeper with a beauty of a finish. The Lille striker has just turned 22 and he looks a real talent. Herdman was delighted, saying: “We knew we could be really dangerous in transition. I thought that’s where we were clinical tonight.  

USA beat the chill to stay in touch

Gregg Berhalter’s USA had to endure freezing temperatures as they squeezed past El Salvador, but the hard fought win kept them just a point behind Canada and another victory in Hamilton would see the Stars and Stripes go top. At 29F it equalled the record low temperature for a home international as Fulham defender Antonee Robinson scored the crucial goal on 52 minutes which left the US on 18 points and in second place.     

Berhalter has some young stars of his own to match the Maple Leafs.  Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie , Lille striker Timothy Weah and Barcelona wingback Sergino Dest could all make an appearance on Sunday and, should the Stars and Stripes make it to Qatar as expected they will be players to watch…but then in stifling heat!   

History

The 1986 World Cup is the only appearance Canada have made at a world finals, in stark contrast to the USA who have made ten appearances and even made the semi-final, 92 years ago in 1930.    

While there’s little to choose between the two nations for this game, the Stars and Stripes have had the better of the head to head Canada vs USA results, winning six to Canada’s one of the 11 encounters since 2005, the other four games being drawn.

The last meeting, in September, ended in a 1-1 draw when Kyle Larin equalised after Brenden Aaronson had given the Stars and Stripes a second half lead. And the last encounter on Canadian soil, back in 2019, was an historic night as 17,000 fans saw Alphonso Davies score a first goal against the US since 2007; and when Lucas Cavallini scored to make it 2-0 that confirmed a first Canadian victory over their neighbours in 34 long years.  

In terms of recent form, both nations have won four of the last six games; while Canada are unbeaten, the USA has draw one and lost one, away to Panama in October.   

Betting Tip

	Canada vs USA	Canada Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.03
	January 31, 04:05 (GMT+8)

At a SBOTOP price of 2.42 the Stars and Stripes are marginally favourites to win this neighbourly tussle, while Canada are at 2.68 and the draw is 2.92. 

We’re set for an entertaining encounter with plenty of young talent on display on each side, but the Maple Leafs have been so strong on home soil I suspect they will keep their unbeaten run going and hold on to top spot.     

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.