We’re going to the hex!
The Canadian men’s national team went into Honduras today and did what many thought was impossible – they got the result that was needed to bring them back to the final six of CONCACAF for the first time since the 1998 cycle.
A decade of pain and frustration can be finally put behind us. Instead, the soccer community can today celebrate its growth and dream of what may lie ahead a year or so from now.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
The hard work is done. A group with Honduras and Panama (even Cuba, a tricky Caribbean opponent at times) was a tough ask. It’s likely that Honduras can feel hard done by today. Its draw in the group was likely unfair. Canadians aren’t likely to shed any tears, however. Canada’s draw was unfair, too.
Now that the job is done, the tough semi-final group can be seen positively. Canada earned its way back to the hex. There were no easy touches in this round – even Cuba made all three teams work at times. That should serve them well in the final round.
It won’t be easy, of course. The teams are better. However, the odds are better too. Mexico is likely a sure thing to win the round, but five teams (and it is five. The USA has hardly been inspiring) chasing two automatic slots, and a home and home with New Zealand, has to warm the heart.
For the better part of 25-years the World Cup has been a drug-induced fantasy for Canadian soccer fans. Today, it’s a better than average proposition.
Even if Canada fails to take the final step you can’t ignore the importance of 10 highly competitive games – games that will inspire the next generation and that will continue to grow the community and sport.
But, today’s not about community and growth -- it’s about winning. It’s about having the guts and determination to go into Central America and not be a victim. It's about living up to expectations.
It’s about belonging and earning the respect of the rest of CONCACAF.
Canada hasn’t belonged, or been respected in a very long time.
Today we do. Today we’re back. Today we’re winners.