Canada and El Salvador open their respective 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaigns Wednesday afternoon when the two nations square off in Group B action.
For two of the lower ranked teams in the competition, it will be crucial for either side to pick up the three points before going on to face higher ranked sides.
Co-host nation Canadians come into this game on a four-game winning streak in all competitions. This is a feat Benito Floro’s side have not accomplished since 2009. However, those victories came in two friendlies and against world No. 174-ranked Dominica.
Canada, currently ranked 103 in the world, will be facing off against the 41st ranked Costa Rica, 76th Jamaica, and El Salvador who are 88th in the world. Whether the recent success is a sign of things to come for the Canadians or rather just a fluke will be determined as the games progress in this Gold Cup.
El Salvador qualified for the tournament by the skin of their teeth after a late equalizer in Saint Kitts and Nevis in June helped them escape the Caribbean Island with a point. It was a much different story in the second leg, however, as home field advantage aided them to a 4-1 win. They’ll need much of the same support from the Salvadoran crowd Wednesday.
Floro will be hoping to have some players step up this tournament in the absence of key players Atiba Hutchinson, who was left out of the squad due to injury and goalkeeper Milan Borjan, dealing with club commitments.
Veteran Kenny Stamatopoulos is expected to step in and be the No. 1 keeper for the tournament while the likes of Nik Ledgerwood, Marcel de Jong, and David Edgar will be called upon to lead Canada’s backline.
In the past, Canada have struggled with the fast pace and counter attacking Latin American style of play. The Canadian midfield will have to be tactically disciplined and up to the test if they have any shot at victory in their opening game.
All eyes will again be on 20-year-old Canadian forward Cyle Larin. The youngster has enjoyed a fine debut season in MLS with six goals in 13 appearances. Floro elected to select just two strikers for his 23-player roster and Larin is expected to get the majority of the playing time, along with Marcus Haber, the other forward in the squad.
It’s too early to call Larin a fully developed player, but he will be a central part of Canada’s attack, not only against El Salvador, but also for the rest of the tournament.
With ‘tougher’ opposition yet to come, this game makes it all the more vital for both sides to pick up an early win to ensure any hope of success.