It is with great anticipation that we await the kickoff at BMO Field between Canada and Jamaica Wednesday night.
It is Canada's first real qualifier for the 2010 World Cup after dispatching minnows St. Vincent and the Grenadines in June as expected. Canada's squad is arguably the best team we have ever had, although you may prefer the 1986 team that made it to the World Cup. It will be played before a sellout crowd at BMO Field, most of whom we think will be cheering for the home side. And finally, it comes at a time when the sport has never enjoyed a higher profile. Canada trained at BMO Field Monday morning.
One piece of bad news. Midfielder Issey Nakajima-Farran did not make the trip after picking up an achilles injury in a weekend match for his Danish club FC Nordsjaelland. Word is, however, that it's not too serious. Striker Rob Friend and midfielders Atiba Hutchinson and Patrice Bernier were still making their way in from their European bases. It should be noted they're doing it in comfort as the CSA is now flying all European-based players back to North America in business class. See? The CSA doers not do everything wrong.
In fact, under the leadership of General Secretary Peter Montopoli, they're attempting to correct past wrongs and do whatever it takes to get this team to the World Cup. There are other important initiatives unfolding behind closed doors that will help even more.
The CSA could probably help themselves a bit however by taking a proactive role in stopping misinformation from getting out there, and being more available to see that reported stories are accurate. But that is a topic of discussion for another day.
The bottom line is, the first two World Cup qualifiers in Toronto and Montreal will be sellouts. That hasn't happened in a generation. But it will not be easy. Head Coach Dale Mitchell mused that it will probably take 10 points out of a possible 18 from six matches to get through. That means win all your home matches and nick at least one draw away. And even that might not be enough. But there's no getting around one basic truth. Lose to Jamaica and the chances of getting through to the next round are slim. The team is ready. The hard core supporters are ready with a parade through the CNE grounds to the stadium to rev things up. The Voyageurs who have teamed up with the various TFC groups have done their part to ensure a 12th man atmosphere. We're ready. Live on Sportsnet West and Pacific channels, 7:30 Wednesday evening. Bring it on.