The Canadian men’s national team closed out their first foray in World Cup qualifying this generation on a high note Wednesday, dispatching El Salvador 3-0 at BMO Field in Toronto.
Wednesday’s result sees coach John Herdman’s side go to 5pts on a 1-2-0 record in the first window of Concacaf qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Les Rouges jumped out to an early lead – first through Atiba Hutchinson in the sixth minute and Jonathan David just after 10 minutes. Both teams traded chances before winger Tajon Buchanan, after being subject to some controversial tackles in the first half, responded after the hour mark with a lovely hesitation finish by putting the ball through the Salvadorian goalkeeper.
Canada’s next international window will come in just under a month when, on Thursday, October 7, John Herdman’s team heads to the Azteca to face Mexico. That opens a three-match window where Canada plays in Jamaica on Oct. 10 before coming home for a tilt with Panama by Oct. 13.
Here are your sights and sounds from Wednesday’s match.
CANADA 3-0 EL SALVADOR COVERAGE: ‘There’s been growth’: Herdman, CanMNT reacts to milestones in World Cup qualifying win over El Salvador || Match Analysis: CanMNT 3-0 El Salvador — World Cup Qualifying
WHAT A START! ?
Atiba Hutchinson strikes early for @CanadaSoccerEN! ?? #CANMNT | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/kF6fLRMIyB
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 8, 2021
Tajon Buchanan puts the rebound off the free kick back in on goal, Jonathan David gets the second!!! #ForCanada #CANMNT pic.twitter.com/tSOKVcescn
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) September 8, 2021
This is our house… #ForCanada #CANMNT #WCQ2022 pic.twitter.com/MPErq6gYU1
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) September 9, 2021
Jonathan David with the steal, plays Tajon Buchanan in and just like that it's 3:0 #ForCanada #CANMNT #WCQ2022pic.twitter.com/78D6gsUTkc
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) September 9, 2021
ATIBA HUTCHINSON on Canada's strong showing ?
"We were able to play our game. The important thing was that we didn't give up anything also. We had a clean sheet. Today was a complete performance. We take three points at home and move on"#CanMNT | ? https://t.co/hishXepRT3 pic.twitter.com/0mWKo2Gtct
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) September 9, 2021