After facing Argentina, France, the Netherlands and Uruguay on the international stage this year, the Canadian men’s team will face Suriname on Friday in the first match of the quarter-finals. of the CONCACAF Nations League.
Posted at 8:17 p.m.
Neil Davidson
The Canadian Press
Installed at 136e world ranking, Suriname is 101 levels behind Canada. But by virtue of its colonial past, the northern South American country offers a style with a Dutch flavor.
“We are excited by this challenge,” said Canada head coach Jesse Marsch on Thursday during a videoconference. Since I’ve been here, we’ve faced several good teams and familiar opponents. Now we have a little less familiar opponents who will challenge us. »
The return match will take place next Tuesday in Toronto.
Canada has faced Suriname twice, winning each time in World Cup qualifying. He won 4-0 in 2021 and 2-1 in 1977.
Located on the northeastern coast of South America, between Guyana and French Guiana, Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975.
The Suriname team includes players from clubs in Cyprus, Denmark, England, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Russia, Spain and Sweden. She counts in particular on the Dutchman Sheraldo Becker, who plays in Spain for Real Sociedad.
“He’s very fast and he’s an extremely talented player,” said Canada defender Alistair Johnston, who faced Becker in the 2021 meeting.
Canada will be without captain Alphonso Davies, who will miss out due to “physical fatigue.” Derek Cornelius will also be out with a rib injury.
The winners of the quarterfinals advance to the Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with the two semifinals scheduled for March 20 and the final on March 23, and qualify for the Gold Cup of next year.
Thursday, Jamaica (61e) was scheduled to face the United States (18e) and Costa Rica (39e) was to play against Panama (50e). Friday, Mexico (16e) has a meeting with Honduras (77e).
