Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

September 5, 2016 Twitter

@HarJournalist

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VANCOUVER, B.C. - If Canada wants to make it to the hexagonal stage of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, a monumental victory over 137th ranked El Salvador must occur. Canada needs a massive goal haul as they try to overturn a negative five goal differential and hope that Mexico defeats Honduras. It will be a tall order for Canada, but certainly not impossible. Striker Tesho Akindele is still strong with his prediction that Canada will qualify for 'The Hex' and next round of qualifying. "I'm still confident, I think we still got this." Marcel de Jong knows Canada require goals, goals, more goals, and a little bit of help from Mexico if they are to advance. "We need as much as possible," said de Jong. "I'll be happy with three or four goals and hopefully Mexico does their job beating Honduras in a decent number." Fans will be expecting Canada to put forth an all out attack with little regard for defense, that isn't exactly the right approach. Scoring as many goals as possible will be a priority, but you also don't want to be vulnerable on a counter-attack from El Salvador. Akindele will be counted on to try to provide some goals for Canada, and he shared his mindset heading into the match. "I think we just have to be patient," said Akindele, "Obviously we're going to have to score a lot of goals, but I think we have the goals in us. If we're patient and we stick to the game plan, I think we'll get it done."

Canada will need to apply smart pressure, sitting back and waiting to capitalize on turnovers by El Salvador is certainly an option. However, Canada will need to take the game to the visitors and hold possession, thus creating chances to score. Dictating play and not letting the visitors settle into BC Place will be key to earning a victory. "I think we're going to try and force the game," revealed Akindele. "I think we're going to be high pressuring and kind of just going all out for the win." de Jong believes a more offensive minded strategy will be on display, but it won't be an all out Canadian offensive blitz. "I think so," admitted de Jong. "That doesn't mean that we aren't going to attack everything from the get go. We have to be patient and pick our moments. We aren't going to be rushing, it's 90 minutes of football so it won't be attacking from the get go and all going forward." The 29 year-old de Jong will get forward whenever Canada is attacking. Whether it be a cross, free kick, or a sublime pass across the pitch, de Jong can be a difference maker for Canada. He knows he will be have to be switched on more than usual as the red and white need a major offensive outburst. That means that de Jong will attempt to go forward whenever he can. "Yeah I think so," said de Jong. "Especially at home with home advantage. When we have the ball, attacking, I think it's a role for our full-backs to go forward, and I'll be doing that tomorrow if I start obviously." The 100th FIFA ranked Canadians haven't made it to 'The Hex' since the format was first introduced in 1998. If you're counting that's a one in five success rate. Advancing to the 5th round of qualifying would be a terrific boost for Canadian Soccer. The Canadian Women's Team has won back to back bronze medals at the Olympic games, now it's time for the men's team to shine. The Calgary-born Akindele echoed those same sentiments and knows just what it would mean to advance to 'The Hex.' "I mean it's huge," said Akindele. "We're kind of trying to make soccer mainstream in this country. The women's team is doing a great job of it too, we're trying to help the movement and bring soccer to everybody." "Yeah that's huge, we've been waiting a long time to make it to 'The Hex'," said de Jong. "I think it's just huge for us as well, but also for Canada. That would even push it more to the next level for Canada in soccer. I think that's why we have to give everything tomorrow and leave it all on the field." It won't be an easy match for Canada, but defeating El Salvador is something Canada should be expected to do. Scoring a bundle of goals will be the toughest hurdle of making it to 'The Hex'. If Canada does the trick this match will be fantastic historic result.



