Teams that have their eyes on Qatar 2022 meet on Wednesday when El Salvador travels to take on Canada in a 2022 Concacaf World Cup Qualifier. Both sides have collected two points through as many games in qualifying.
Here is everything you need to know about Canada vs El Salvador World Cup 2022 qualifying match and how to watch via online live stream for free
How to watch Canada vs. El Salvador
Date: Wednesday, September 8
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live Stream: Watch free here
CONCACAF World Cup qualifying picks for El Salvador vs. Canada
Canada
The Canadiens have shown impressive mettle through their first two games in coming from behind to salvage a pair of draws. But head coach John Herdman made it clear after the USMNT match that he felt three points were there for the taking. Instead, Canada are now part of the logjam in the standings that includes four different countries tied on two points.
Canada are clearly a resilient bunch and there’s everything to play for, starting with this matchup against El Salvador to close out the first three-game window. Striker Cyle Larin is in form, having netted the equalizer in each of those first two draws.
Superstar Alphonso Davies has been ruled out, though, after the 20-year-old Bayern Munich defender/forward took a knock against the USMNT. That’s a big challenge Les Rouges must overcome.
El Salvador
Like their Canadian counterparts, Hugo Perez’s group has shown impressive fortitude in drawing their first two matches. They’ve emerged as a formidable group dating back to their showing at this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup, at least on the defensive side of the ball. Their shortcomings have come in the attack, as they haven’t found the net in either of their opening scoreless draws, struggling without the services of leading goalscorer David Rugamas.
Toronto FC’s Eriq Zavaleta will likely be playing on his home field at the club level, while Seattle Sounders defender Alex Roldan is also among the MLS representation on Perez’s roster, having started both of those first two games.
Key Player Canada
Atiba Hutchinson is a Canadian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Beşiktaş J. K. of the Turkish Super League, the 38-year-old veteran is an old hand who brings his experience to bear on the pitch when called upon.
Key Player El Salvador
Marvin Monterroza was the captain in the last match played by El Salvador, being one of the men with more weight on the field currently, the midfielder of Alianza of the local league has the task of supplying those perfect opportunities that the strikers will take advantage of.
Last lineup: Canada
1 Hutchinson, 18 Borjan, 2 Miller, 5 Vitória, 7 Eustáquio, 11 Buchanan, 17 Larin, 20 Davies, 20 David, 22 Laryea.
Last Lineup: El Salvador
Mario González; Alexander Larín, Eriq Zavaleta, Ronald Rodríguez, Bryan Tamacas, Narciso Orellana, Marvin Monterroza (C), Darwin Cerén, Jairo Henríquez y Joaquín Rivas.
Canada: Making it three for peace of mind
The Maple Leafs know they can’t be complacent as the start of the CONCACAF qualifying round looks pretty even. The red team is in third place with a better number of goals scored, but they have two draws in the same games played. Therefore, scoring goals and not conceding will be fundamental.
Honduras: The uncomfortable pleasant surprise
The qualifiers are no longer like they used to be when one team was the dominating team, and much of this is due to the footballing rise of Central American teams, which are now playing one-on-one with North American teams. Honduras has not lost in the current qualifying round, as it has two ties in the same number of matches, which puts it in position number 4, a victory would put it in a good position to be in the leading group.
