The Canadian men’s national team is 180 minutes away from achieving another piece of history, as it could win its first trophy in 23 years this weekend.
The penultimate hurdle toward that achievement comes on Thursday (7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT) against Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The excitement is palpable, knowing that another goal is within the team’s grasp.
“This is groundbreaking,” said Canada coach John Herdman. “(Some players) haven’t been in a semifinal with the Canadian national team. Many of the players on this roster weren’t part of the roster that hit the semifinal at the Gold Cup, and that was a great experience for those players.
“This year is about pushing to lift the trophy, pushing to allow our fans to feel that experience.”
Ahead of Thursday’s semifinal, here’s a quick look at the key players for each team and the potential threats posed by Panama.
KEY PLAYERS
Junior Hoilett (Canada)
The likes of Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan, Cyle Larin and Jonathan David will obviously be crucial players. But if we examine most of Canada’s marquee matches, there’s one common denominator: Junior Hoilett on the pitch.
Hoilett received starts in two of Canada’s three World Cup games, seven World Cup qualifiers, along with the 2021 Gold Cup quarterfinals and semifinals.
With Jonathan Osorio only returning from injury last weekend and logging 89 minutes for Toronto FC, that could lead to Hoilett starting again on Thursday.
Hoilett’s composure in these games is super valuable. His ability to maneuver through tight spaces and progress the ball is uncanny. If the opposition presses Canada, the 33-year-old can calmly weave or pass his way through that initial wave of pressure and launch a Canadian attack into open space.
Even if Hoilett is only available off the bench, he can still fulfill the same tasks if Canada needs to close out the game.
Adalberto Carrasquilla (Panama)
This isn’t your slightly older sibling’s Panama anymore. This is a side that likes to retain possession and play proactively.
Houston Dynamo midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla is the main driver of that philosophy. The 24-year-old was tied for first on the team in ball recoveries (10.25 per 90 minutes) and deep progressions (6.73) during World Cup qualifying, underlining his importance on both sides of the ball.
Take this assist for the Dynamo, for example.
Off the ball, Carrasquilla was integral to Panama qualifying for the Nations League semifinals when they edged Costa Rica 1-0 on the final matchday. The midfielder logged 15 (!) ball recoveries en route to the victory.
It’s safe to say that Carrasquilla is the dangerman for Panama this Thursday.
PANAMA’S THREATS
Both teams met twice in the final round of World Cup qualifying, highlighted by that Alphonso Davies goal in 2021 at BMO Field.
However, the return game in Panama City on March 30, 2022, did not go according to plan. With Canada already qualified, Panama delivered a sobering lesson on the final matchday.
Among the takeaways was how aggressive and organized Panama plays without the ball. Los Canaleros’ passes per defensive action (PPDA) versus Canada was 8.74 and it didn’t relent after scoring the eventual winner.
In competitive games in 2022, Panama’s PPDA was 8.03 per 90 minutes – among the elite in Concacaf – and it’s carried into 2023. Thomas Christansen’s side suffocated Costa Rica in their final Nations League group match and only let up once they had a man sent off.
A lot has changed since March 2022 – including the return of Alphonso Davies – but there are still some lessons to heed from that defeat. Panama’s disciplined and compact shape off the ball left very little space for Canada to play through.
If Tajon Buchanan or any rapid attacker broke free, Panama quickly fouled them and disrupted Canada’s rhythm.
Playing on a neutral ground will likely help Canada’s efforts, as will Davies’ return. But this will be a tightly contested match, and will require maximum focus to ensure it doesn’t slip through Les Rouges‘ fingers.
About the author: Peter Galindo is one of Canada’s leading soccer journalists, having covered the sport for several outlets including Sportsnet, MLS and Bleacher Report. He also works as a performance analyst/scout and co-hosts the Northern Fútbol Podcast which focuses on all things Canadian soccer. You can subscribe on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts.