Canada has qualified for the football World Cup for the first time in 36 years, after thoroughly beating Jamaica 4 nil in Toronto. Goals from Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Junior Hoilett and an Adrian Mariappa own goal on Sunday secured all three points following a dominant performance against a Jamaica side already eliminated from contention in the CONCACAF region’s qualifying tournament for this year’s finals in Qatar. The win sparked wild celebrations at Toronto’s 30 thousand capacity BMO Field, where an expectant sell out crowd had gathered to watch Canada clinch World Cup qualification for only the second time, having last appeared at the 1986 Mexico tournament.
Canada’s English manager John Herdman who took over the men’s team in 2018 after a successful stint in charge of Canada’s women’s team said the qualification was proof Canada was a football country. After a strong qualifying campaign had left them three points clear with two games remaining, Canada needed only a point from Sunday’s fixture to assure themselves of qualification.
Chidozie Chima | August 16, 2024
