Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

September 4, 2016 Twitter

@HarJournalist

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VANCOUVER, B.C - Canada is in a spot of difficulty as they try to earn a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying spot in the "Hexagonal' stage. In order to advance to the 5th round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Canada must beat El Salvador on Tuesday night at BC Place, and hope to get help from Mexico who takes on Honduras.



Canada currently sit third in the Group A table with a 1-3-1 record and must over-turn a goal differential of minus five if they hope to claim second spot behind Mexico and a coveted spot at 'The Hex'. It won't be an easy time for 100th FIFA ranked Canadians as they've managed a paltry two goals in five group matches thus far.



Canadian winger Junior Hoilett knows that the task at hand will take some work to accomplish, but he's confident. Canada will have to take the match with a one step at a time approach. Hoilett isn't worried about the mountain of goals Canada requires.



"Everybody's gearing up for it, first and foremost," said Hoilett. "We have to set up a structure to get a result, to get a win, and three points, that's the main thing. Of course we have to score a certain amount of goals, but first and foremost is to get the three points."



As many supporters and pundits are clamouring for Canada to open up and play a more offensive minded style of football, Canada isn't about to do that. Coach Benito Floro is a defense first tactical manager and his teams play at the back won't be abandoned just because goal-scoring has taken on a supreme importance. Hoilett respects Canada's defense first philosophy.



"Of course we have to score goals," admitted Hoilett. "But we also cannot concede any. We have to stay structured, stay disciplined and not to leak any goals when we're on the attack. Of course we have to push, but we also have to consider that we can't let any goals go in as well."

The 26 year-old Hoilett has had his fitness questioned as he looked absolutely gassed in Canada's 2-1 loss to Honduras on Friday, September 2. At the minute, Hoilett is without a club team, he is a free agent and still pondering his options. Benito Floro isn't too concerned with Hoilett's lack of fitness, instead he is hoping Hoilett signs somewhere soon so he can get back to club football.



"Junior is suffering a lot, he doesn't have a club," said Floro. "I alerted him that it is very important to have a club for this kind of player. The weather (in Honduras) for him was terrible, no. When we arrived, he was feeling better physically so it means that we are sure that on Tuesday he will be different."



The former Queens Park Rangers man is pleased that he was able to go the distance against Honduras. He admits that he will be ready for 137th ranked El Salvador should he get the start from Coach Floro.



"Of course it's hard for me because I haven't played any games leading into it. I lasted 90 minutes against Honduras and that's a bonus for me, personally. I'll be ready and willing to go in the next game. I'm fully confident that I can put in a good performance."



Despite Red Nation Online's persistence, Junior Hoilett wasn't about to reveal where and when he expects to sign with a new club. His primary focus is competing with Canada on Tuesday. His club football options remain open and he doesn't appear to be in any significant hurry to sign with anyone.



"For me, I'm just focused on Canada right now," said Hoilett. "Tuesday's my main importance. Right now my phone is off so I'm focusing on the game on Tuesday. We have a big game and that's my first priority. Like I said, right now I'm just focused on El Salvador, that's what my main focus is and after that I'll decide where I want to go."



Should Canada somehow manage to not qualify for 'The Hex' a lot of fans would like to see Coach Floro get the sack. While he might not be a popular gaffer with the supporters, Floro has the full backing of his players, and Hoilett wants to see him remain.



"No, no, he's been great for Canada," revealed Hoilett. "He's got us good structure and he's doing well, so I want him to stay of course."



