The fourth round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying has gotten off to a roaring start for Mexico, with emphatic wins in their first two matches and a big opportunity at hand as they get ready to face Canada in Vancouver. A third straight win in Group A as things stand would see El Tri all but assure themselves a spot in the “Hex,” the final qualifying round in North America, with three matches and lots of time left to go in the round.
Canada vs. Mexico 2016: Time, TV schedule and news for World Cup qualifier
Mexico can all but lock up a place in the Hex with a win over Canada.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Canada won’t make that easy for them if they can, but they also face a daunting task. While Canada’s defense has been excellent -- standing with Mexico as the only teams in this round to not have given up a goal yet -- their attack has been decidedly lackluster. They’ve scored just once in two matches, and they’ll have to vastly improve their performance up front against a tough Mexico defense if they’re going to spoil El Tri’s party and get the upset.
Key Canada player -- Cyle Larin
The Orlando City striker is off to a fantastic start to the MLS season, scoring three big goals en route to an unbeaten start for his team. Now he needs to bring that form to Canada, where he’ll have to find a way to break down a tough Mexico defense that will give no quarter. If he can find success, though, Canada might just be able to be the first team to take points off Mexico in this qualifying round.
Key Mexico player -- Javier Hernandez
Canada’s oft-shaky defense will need to be on high alert in this match, because Chicharito is the kind of player who will quickly identify and punish any mistakes they make. His form has been a bit down of late with Bayer Leverkusen, but Hernandez can get red-hot at the drop of a hat, and Canada need to make sure not to give him any opportunities to exploit, or they will deeply regret it.
Match Date/Time: Fri., 10 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. local
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
TV: UniMas (U.S. - Spanish), TSN2 (Canada), Azteca 7, UnivisionTDN (Mexico)
Online: Univision Deportes (U.S.)
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