Through 90 minutes, Canada sent a message to the 10th ranked team by FIFA, as they came away with a crucial three points against Mexico and took the top spot in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying standings.
Before the match was even played, there were concerns with temperatures dropping to minus-8 degrees for kickoff and the grounds crew working hard to remove the snow at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Fortunately for Canada, the match was played and the snow didn’t factor into the conditions on the pitch — but it did provide a heritage moment.
The match had its fair share of drama, especially in injury time, where the tension reached a new level as Mexico cut Canada’s lead to 2-1. Then it was goalkeeper Milan Borjan who came up with a heroic save to ensure that Canada secured the win.
MILAN BORJAN HOW!?#CANMNT pic.twitter.com/w3D8ORwIQA
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) November 17, 2021
While there is still a long way to go before Canada can secure a spot in next year’s World Cup, supporters across the country couldn’t help but express their excitement and relief after beating Mexico.
Canada has taken four points from Mexico in World Cup qualifying.
— Jason Brough(@SadClubCommish) November 17, 2021
#CanMNT just beat FIFA’s 10th ranked team in the world and moved atop the group in World Cup Qualifying. Pinch me.
— Dan Riccio (@danriccio_) November 17, 2021
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) November 17, 2021
LARIN !!!!! X 2 !! pic.twitter.com/V5oEMROTTj
— Couch Ultras (@CouchUltras) November 17, 2021
Borjan’s save wasn’t the only iconic moment from the match, as Sam Adekugbe made sure to add some Canadian flavour as the team celebrated Cyle Larin’s second goal of the match. Like any Canadian child would do if they saw a snowbank, Adekugbe couldn’t help but jump on top of it.
FRAME IT. #SnowbankCelly pic.twitter.com/lqXZYHMqWr
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) November 17, 2021
Things you love to see…score a goal (or 2) against Mexico…celebrate by jumping into a snow bank. @CanadaSoccerEN
— Christine Sinclair (@sincy12) November 17, 2021
This is the most Canadian goal celebration #CANMNT pic.twitter.com/9ibZM3c5Ur
— Farhan Mohamed (@farhanmohamed) November 17, 2021
The big story of the game had to be the performance from Larin, who not only scored a brace for Canada but also put himself among elite company when it comes to scoring during World Cup qualifying.
He also moved into a tie with Dwayne De Rosario as Canada’s top goalscorer of all-time with 22.
Canada's 1-nil goal as heard on Telemundo.
(via: @bubbaprog) pic.twitter.com/vbN573UKHW #CANMNT
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) November 17, 2021
This cold is sure giving Mexico a case of…Larin-gitis. #CANMNT
— Johnny James (@heyjohnnyjames) November 17, 2021
Larin wasn’t the only Canadian making history against Mexico, as Atiba Hutchinson moved past Julian de Guzman with his 90 caps to become the country’s all-time appearance leader.
OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN!
Atiba Hutchinson is now the most-capped player in #CANMNT history with 90 appearances since his senior debut in 2003. pic.twitter.com/dPYbDli8Jo
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2021
With this start, Atiba Hutchinson is now the #CanMNT’s all-time appearances leader with 90 caps, surpassing Julian de Guzman.
38 years old and still kicking. #CloneAtiba pic.twitter.com/gaSfRpR12q
— Peter Galindo (@GalindoPW) November 17, 2021
COMMENTS
When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.