Goals from Cyle Larin and Jonathan David in the opening 13 minutes broke that up as the Canadians cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over World Cup co-champion Vienna, Austria. Perhaps the only criticism is that Canada, ranked 43rd in the world, could have scored more against No. 48 Qatar. “We knew the first 20 minutes would be challenging given how organized and disciplined Qatar are,” Canada coach John Herdman said. “But I think our players rose to the challenge tonight.” The Canadians will be put to a sterner test on Tuesday when they face No. 13 Uruguay in Bratislava, Slovakia. “This will be a tough test,” Herdman said. “But that’s the thing we dream about. We’ve been playing CONCACAF opponents for four years. All players dream their whole international career [of] playing teams of the stature of Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina. This is the thing we’ve been waiting for. “For us it’s a cup final with Uruguay, similar to Belgium or Croatia. [whom Canada will face in Group F at the World Cup]. So there is an excitement there. But again we have to temper that with the reality of the quality they have and then we have to put the work into these next three days.” WATCHES | Larin opens the scoring for Canada:
Cyle Larin scores winner in Canada’s friendly win over FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar
Kyle Larin scored his 25th international goal, extending his Canadian record, in Canada’s 2-0 win over Qatar in Vienna. Canada’s final World Cup warm-up is Nov. 17 against No. 24 Japan in Dubai. Canada controlled large stretches of the game Friday, outscoring Qatar 13-8 (8-2 on shots on goal) with 61 percent possession. Canada wasted little time with Larin scoring in the fourth minute. The Club Brugge forward rose high and headed home Sam Adekugbe’s cross for a Canadian record 25th goal in 53 appearances. David doubled the lead in the 13th minute after diving Qatar keeper Saad Al Sheib headed home Kamal Miller’s cross, but only to a pair of waiting Canadians. Alphonso Davis went down, lost his footing, trying to reach the ball, but David was there to tap it in for his 22nd goal in 33 games in Canadian colors. David, who is signed to Adidas, covered the Nike logo on Canada’s shirt with his right hand as he celebrated the goal. There has been chatter on social media recently about Canada, unlike other teams, not unveiling a new jersey for the World Cup. WATCHES | David scores, Nike logo covers:
Jonathan David celebrates goal against Qatar by covering the swoosh in Nike kit row
Jonathan David scored his 22nd international goal in Canada’s 2-0 friendly win over Qatar, then covered the Nike logo on his Canada jersey with his right hand. There has been recent chatter on social media about Canada, unlike other teams, not unveiling a new soccer kit for the World Cup. Herdman, perhaps diplomatically, said after the game that he hadn’t noticed the celebration. Canada came close to scoring a third goal on a free kick in the 88th minute, but Ike Ugbo’s header was saved by the Qatar goalkeeper and Miller’s effort from the rebound hit the post. There was a moment of worry in the second half with Davies needing treatment after tangling with Ismail Mohamed in the 57th minute. The Bayern Munich star was able to depart, albeit with aplomb, as he made way for a substitute. “I think he’s fine. He was sitting on the bench smiling. So I think he’s fine,” Herdman said. WATCHES | Davies left the field in the 60th minute:
Canada scare as Alphonso Davies leaves field in win over Qatar
Canada’s Alphonso Davies was taken off in the 60th minute of Canada’s 2-0 friendly win over Qatar after tangling with Ismail Mohamed, but managed to walk off the field. David (Junior) Hoilett, earning his 48th cap, captained Canada in the absence of the injured Atiba Hutchinson. Friday’s match marked the Canadian men’s first game against an Asian opponent since November 2016, when they lost 2-0 to South Korea.
Controlled game from the start
The Canadians, who open the World Cup Nov. 23 against No. 2 Belgium, used the flanks to attack Qatar’s compact defense. Canada had 62 percent possession in the first half. Both sides made changes in the second half with Herdman sending on Richie Larrea, Charles-Andreas Breen, Ismael Kone, Ugbo, Liam Millar and Mark-Anthony Kay. Qatar showed more purpose in the second half but were unable to breach Canada’s defence, offering little in attack. For the Canadians, the European camp is a first meeting since an ill-fated gathering in June in Vancouver, when the players refused to play a friendly against Panama over a contract dispute. The team put the stalemate behind them to play Curaçao and Honduras in CONCACAF Nations League games on June 9 and 13. However, contract talks continue. Herdman has other injury concerns with Club Brugge winger Tajon Buchanan likely to make the bench for the Uruguay game only if he is fit. Toronto FC defender Doneil Henry, who went down with a hamstring problem on the eve of camp, is with the team but is not expected to see action. TFC teammate Jonathan Osorio stayed home to deal with a “neurological malfunction” stemming from an elbow to the head in an MLS match in mid-July. Despite the injuries, Herdman fielded a strong line-up with Miller, Steven Vitoria and Alistair Johnston in front of goalkeeper Milan Borjan with Adekugbe and Hoilett at full-back and Samuel Piette and Stephen Eustaquio in midfield with Davies, David and Larin lead to the attack. Piet was influential in midfield, often joining Eustace to stifle Qatar’s attacks. Canada’s starting XI went into the match with 428 caps, led by Borjan (65) and Piette (62). WATCHES | Chris Jones breaks down the state of Canada’s men’s team:
Canada faces tough international tests against Qatar and Uruguay ahead of the World Cup
CBC Sports’ Chris Jones breaks down the biggest stories for the CanMNT’s upcoming friendlies against Qatar and Uruguay.
