Canadian men win without Davies and Eustáquio, stay atop CONCACAF qualifying group

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This article was published 27/01/2022 (1683 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

You could practically hear Alphonso Davies’ celebrations from Germany. Or you could actually hear the screams if you were following his live stream on Twitch.

As Tajon Buchanan started a give-and-go down the right wing with Johnathan David in the 10th minute of Canada’s World Cup qualifier against Honduras on Thursday, Davies, forced to the sidelines for his country’s next three matches as he deals with a myocarditis diagnosis, asked to be impressed.

“Tajon, let me see something,” Davies said on the stream.

As if on cue, Buchanan delivered.

The Brampton native, who was playing a transitional fullback to winger role, engineered Canada’s game-winner. A move that started not far into Honduras’ half ended with Buchanan taking on, and beating, two defenders on a drive into the box, flashing four step overs along the way. He cut a ball back with vigour just shy of the touchline and it was too hot to handle for Honduran defender Denil Maldonado, who redirected it past his own goalkeeper. Own goal.

It was the winner in Canada’s first victory in Honduras since 1985, only the team’s second in the country. The eventual 2-0 win ensured Canada remained at the top of the standings through nine of 14 qualifiers, continuing to set the pace for the United States and Mexico, who were also victorious on the night. Panama’s 1-0 loss to Costa Rica means five points now separate Canada and fourth place in the standings, with the top three teams earning automatic berths to Qatar 2022 at the end of qualifying.

The focus going into the game had been on the left wing. Davies, the best player in the CONCACAF region, wouldn’t be there, as he had been for seven of Canada’s eight previous matches in the final round of World Cup qualification. Canada’s star had been ruled out almost two weeks earlier because of inflammation of the heart muscle.

Could a Davies-less Canadian squad live up to the pre-game consensus, that this group is more than its best player? Led by Buchanan, but not on his own, the Canadians did just enough.

Coach John Herdman covered his bases by committee. Buchanan and Samuel Adekugbe were tasked with covering a lot of ground on the wings. Up front, Herdman went for a trio with firepower, playing Junior Hoilett in behind Cyle Larin and David.

At the heart of the game were veterans Atiba Hutchinson, 38, and Samuel Piette, 27, who were similarly offsetting an absence, with Stephen Eustáquio out of the squad after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19.

Speed and smarts on the wings, a variety of weapons up front, physicality and calm in the middle. Herdman found the right equation, even with his two most important players left out of it.

The coach went into the game believing he had a number of players hungry to step into the limelight that Davies and Eustáquio have so often commanded throughout these qualifiers.

“It’s a special story that’s unfolding here and it seems like every man is being able to contribute on the journey,” Herdman said.

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Milan Borjan, Canada’s longtime goalkeeper, was among those who found another level Thursday. If it hadn’t been for Borjan, Buchanan’s goal would never have stood as the game winner. Honduras, in a fight to keep its World Cup hopes alive after starting play last in the qualification standings, came on in the dying minutes of the first half and pushed a frenetic pace until David netted Canada’s second goal in the 73rd minute.

Borjan went one-on-one with Romell Quioto just before halftime and stopped a close-range header from Antony Lozano in the 56th minute but it was a by-the-fingertips save off a Honduras free kick in the 70th minute that will go down as Borjan’s best save of qualification to date.

And it set the stage for David’s best goal of qualification to date. The striker controlled a long ball from substitute Liam Fraser with his chest, headed the ball forward with his next touch and scored on his third, a half volley that settled some fast-brewing nerves doubled Canada’s lead.

“Johnny … Come on, man,” Davies screamed on his live stream.

He was there in spirit, Davies, if not in person. But on Thursday night, Canada was fine without him.