Canada/SVG articles

[nolando]

Caribbean Heat

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is looking to upset Canada in CONCACAF qualifiers

June 13, 2008

By John F. Molinaro CBC Sports

Toronto FC defender Jim Brennan (No. 11) won't take St. Vincent and the Grenadines lightly in Canada's upcoming World Cup qualifier. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty

Jim Brennan openly admits it: he knows little about the St. Vincent and the Grenadines and even less about its national soccer team.

"I know they've got nice beaches, and the fishing is supposed to be good down there," Brennan told CBCSports.ca. "Nice golf courses, too. That's about it. To be honest, I don't know much about their team."

That's about to change.

The Toronto FC defender will get an up-close-and-personal look at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team when Canada clashes with the Caribbean nation in the first round of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.

Brennan and his teammates will be in Kingstown, the capital of the tiny island chain of roughly 120,000 inhabitants situated between Saint Lucia and Grenada, on Sunday for the opener of a two-game playoff. The return leg is June 20 in Montreal.

The winner of the series advances to the semifinal round of the CONCACAF qualifiers. The loser is eliminated and must wait another four years to try to qualify for the World Cup.

The stakes are high, and even though it appears to be a complete mismatch on paper - Canada is No. 60 in the current FIFA world rankings, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines comes in at No. 147 - Brennan doesn't expect it to be walkover.

"I know it's going to be very tough, because those games are always hard," Brennan said. "When teams like that play against bigger countries with the guys who are playing in big pro leagues like us, it's a big game for them and those are the hard ones to win. They always surprise you."

Indeed, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, nicknamed Vincy Heat, surprised Nicaragua in the first round of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup, upsetting the Central American powerhouse to advance to the semi-finals.

Looking to take next step

Once there, the Caribbean nation far exceeded expectations with a respectable third-place finish in its four-team, round-robin group after taking CONCACAF powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago to the limit on two occasions.

Now they are looking to take the next step, and Canada stands in their way.

"We are keen to show the world and the so-called powers in CONCACAF that what we did last time was no fluke," defender Wesley John told FIFA.com. "We have some very good footballers, and we are determined to show that we can perform well consistently."

It's not an idle threat. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a strong youth soccer program, and the national team is a mix of veteran players who ply their trade abroad (John plays for Felgueiras in Portugal's second division, and forward Marlon Alex James is one of the top scorers in the Malaysian Super League) and a crop of home-grown youngsters

Canadian coach Dale Mitchell admits "it's very difficult to get information on them" and that he hasn't seen a lot of the Caribbean team, but what little he has seen has impressed him.

"They have a strong, athletic team. They have some good youngsters and they're a team we won't be taking lightly," Mitchell said.

Columbus Crew defender Ezra Hendrickson (No. 23) retired from the St. Vincent and Grenadines national team earlier this year. (Douglas C. Pizac/Associated Press

Make no mistake about it, though, the islanders have their work cut out for them.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines doesn't have a sparkling track record of achievement in international soccer. Its biggest claim to fame is finishing runner-up at the 1995 Caribbean Cup - they were thumped 5-0 by Trinidad in the final.

What's more, the team is coming off a string of recent losses to Barbados, Cuba and Jamaica (three countries listed considerably lower than Canada in the current FIFA rankings), and suffered a major setback when former captain and current Columbus Crew defender Ezra "EZ" Hendrickson retired from the national team in January after acquiring 123 caps for his country.

Still, don't expect the Canadians to take their Caribbean counterparts lightly.

"It's a game we have to take seriously," said Canadian playmaker Dwayne De Rosario. "They're entering this game playing to win, and so do we."

Coach Mitchell echoed De Rosario's sentiments:

"There is a danger in underestimating a team like St. Vincent. The island teams are improving. They have good athletes and, at home, they can be dangerous. And in a two-game series, anything can happen.

"We've taken steps to make sure that doesn't happen."

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2008/06/13/feature-st-vincent-soccer.html

[nolando]

I like the quotes and the extra info at the end...

(Great!) expectations

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Ryan Johnston

It took one phrase from Canadian men's national team coach Dale Mitchell to understand just how far soccer has come in our country.

"We all understand the expectations this year," Mitchell said Wednesday during a conference call. "All players and staff are focused on 2010."

Until now, discussing Canadian soccer in the context of World Cup qualifying attracted words like 'perhaps', 'hopefully' or 'how cute'. But now, arguably for the first time since 1986, there is nothing cute about the fact that expectations surrounding 2010 exist.

But in a cordially Canadian way, Mitchell was quick to ride the brakes for a spell.

"We also understand the process," Mitchell said. "We can't look past the series. Two games; you got to get it right or you're done."

Look past a series? Never! Can it be?

The last half-decade of Canadian men's soccer has been filled with conference calls set up to encourage the media that we can beat the upcoming, let alone the team which lay beyond.

But the reality of fielding one of the more talented squads CONCACAF has to offer means that Mitchell must remind the 19 players selected to participate in a two-game set with St. Vincent and the Grenadines that the clichés matter; and looking ahead to the next stage in the fall is a mistake.

But it is still refreshing to hear such bravado, even if it is for a fleeting moment. And the undying patience shown by supporters of the Canadian game may catch a break in the form of timing. Mitchell pointed out during the call that the CONCACAF poles are shifting, and the minnows of a decade ago are in many cases better (and faster) than the big fish.

"Island teams are improving," Mitchell explained. "They have good athletes and at home they are dangerous."

He's right; the dynamic in CONCACAF is changing. Toronto FC supporters are seeing why Honduras is No. 3 in the region behind the US and Mexico, respectively.

Gone are the days when beating Mexico meant the US in the final, and the next up nations of Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago have fallen from grace.

"The team we have now will compete well with US and Mexico," Mitchell said without hesitation.

(The winner of St. Vincent and the Grenadines vs. Canada series advances to Stage 3 of qualifying in the fall in the CONCACAF zone, which will send three or four teams to South Africa.)

NOTES: Julian De Guzman is progressing from an Achilles' injury that forced him out of the recent friendly with Brazil... "(Julian) has been training on his own," Mitchell said. "(Wednesday) he did a little bit more and feel good about it, and we feel good about his situation. We're hopeful that come Sunday he will be fit and ready to help us"... The selection of Ugo Ihemelu is an interesting story. Ihemelu holds both American and Canadian passports, but in an unprecedented move, sees his future on the international scene in Canada. "He was excited about the opportunity," Mitchell said. "He has been involved with the US training camp, but he saw the chance for a little longer career and more experience with Canada, and not the US"... Four MLS teams represented on the Canadian roster is great PR for the North American league, but the name Adrian Cann gives well-deserved credence to the underrated USL. The 27-year-old was named Whitecaps' Most Outstanding Defender in 2007… Cann is an athletic centre back," Mitchell said. "It is his first camp with European players and MLS players, and maybe he is lacking international experience … but he has a lot of playing experience."

Full squad:

Greg Sutton (Toronto FC); Jim Brennan (Toronto FC); Mike Klukowski (Club Brugge KV); André Hainault (Sparta Praha on loan from FK SIAD Most); Adrian Serioux (FC Dallas); Julian de Guzman (Deportivo La Coruna); Paul Stalteri (Fulham FC on loan from Tottenham Hotspur); Marcel de Jong (Roda JC); Tomasz Radzinski (Skoda Xanthi); Ali Gerba (FC Ingolstadt); Richard Hastings (Inverness CT); Issey Nakajima-Farran (FC Nordsjælland); Atiba Hutchinson (F.C. København); Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo); Patrice Bernier (FC Kaiserslautern); Rob Friend (Borussia Mönchengladbach); Ugo Ihemelu (Colorado Rapids); Pat Onstad (Houston Dynamo); Adrian Cann (Vancouver Whitecaps)

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/blogs/2008/06/12/johnston_great_expectations/

[nolando]

This American blogger has some great previews of our game and all the other upcoming CONCACAF games:

Canada - Saint Vincent & the Grenadines

6/15-St. Vincent / Grenadines vs. Canada - Kingstown - 3 p.m.

6/20-Canada vs. St. Vincent / Grenadines - Montreal - 8:30 p.m.

I was pretty surprised to see Canada's roster for the series, and not because for once all their top European stars are going to be in the same place at the same time. No, the surprise is because Colorado Rapids defender Ugo Ihemelu is there. Yes, the same Ihemelu who was capped by the United States against Norway in January 2006. Friendlies apparently don't cap tie players, or else Jeff Cunningham wouldn't have been able to play for the US (he made one appearance in a friendly for Jamaica before becoming a citizen). Interesting quotes from coach Dale Mitchell here.

That article is also notable for mentioning something that I've noticed recently. This time, Canada does have expectations. After reaching the semifinals in last year's Gold Cup, hosting the U-20 World Cup, and the off the field mania over Toronto FC, Canadian soccer is coming alive and results are now expected. Especially after the firepower shown in the recent loss to Brazil, where they showed no fear and should've earned a draw. The tough thing is, they've received a brutal semifinal draw for the second straight cycle and will likely compete with Honduras and Jamaica for second place behind Mexico. But that's in the future; St. Vincent is on the menu now.

"Vincy Heat" no longer features Ezra Hendrickson; he retired from international soccer earlier this year. Wouldn't have mattered, since he's injured anyway. They don't really have any notable players, though many of them play for professional teams all over the world. Definitely not pushovers, but they're not going to get destroyed either. They just lack the game changing players that the top Caribbean teams feature. The warmups have resulted in two away losses: 5-1 in Jamaica and 1-0 in Cuba. They actually haven't won in any of their last 8 matches going back to January of 2007. Canada shouldn't break too much of a sweat. Sorry Wesley John, you're not "that good."

http://usasoccer.blogspot.com/2008/06/concacaf-world-cup-qualifying-second.html

http://usasoccer.blogspot.com/2008/06/concacaf-world-cup-qualifying-second_11.html

[Toronto Ruffrider]

I don't think I'd call a St. Vincent win over Nicaragua in 2004 an upset. Also, though St. Vincent finished third in its semi-final group that year, it was competing in the same pool as St. Kitts and Nevis. Clearly there were reasons behind St. Vincent's seemingly high standing.

[BearcatSA]

quote:Originally posted by nolando

I like the quotes and the extra info at the end...

(Great!) expectations

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Ryan Johnston

It took one phrase from Canadian men's national team coach Dale Mitchell to understand just how far soccer has come in our country.

"We all understand the expectations this year," Mitchell said Wednesday during a conference call. "All players and staff are focused on 2010."

Until now, discussing Canadian soccer in the context of World Cup qualifying attracted words like 'perhaps', 'hopefully' or 'how cute'. But now, arguably for the first time since 1986, there is nothing cute about the fact that expectations surrounding 2010 exist.

But in a cordially Canadian way, Mitchell was quick to ride the brakes for a spell.

"We also understand the process," Mitchell said. "We can't look past the series. Two games; you got to get it right or you're done."

Look past a series? Never! Can it be?

The last half-decade of Canadian men's soccer has been filled with conference calls set up to encourage the media that we can beat the upcoming, let alone the team which lay beyond.

But the reality of fielding one of the more talented squads CONCACAF has to offer means that Mitchell must remind the 19 players selected to participate in a two-game set with St. Vincent and the Grenadines that the clichés matter; and looking ahead to the next stage in the fall is a mistake.

But it is still refreshing to hear such bravado, even if it is for a fleeting moment. And the undying patience shown by supporters of the Canadian game may catch a break in the form of timing. Mitchell pointed out during the call that the CONCACAF poles are shifting, and the minnows of a decade ago are in many cases better (and faster) than the big fish.

"Island teams are improving," Mitchell explained. "They have good athletes and at home they are dangerous."

He's right; the dynamic in CONCACAF is changing. Toronto FC supporters are seeing why Honduras is No. 3 in the region behind the US and Mexico, respectively.

Gone are the days when beating Mexico meant the US in the final, and the next up nations of Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago have fallen from grace.

"The team we have now will compete well with US and Mexico," Mitchell said without hesitation.

(The winner of St. Vincent and the Grenadines vs. Canada series advances to Stage 3 of qualifying in the fall in the CONCACAF zone, which will send three or four teams to South Africa.)

NOTES: Julian De Guzman is progressing from an Achilles' injury that forced him out of the recent friendly with Brazil... "(Julian) has been training on his own," Mitchell said. "(Wednesday) he did a little bit more and feel good about it, and we feel good about his situation. We're hopeful that come Sunday he will be fit and ready to help us"... The selection of Ugo Ihemelu is an interesting story. Ihemelu holds both American and Canadian passports, but in an unprecedented move, sees his future on the international scene in Canada. "He was excited about the opportunity," Mitchell said. "He has been involved with the US training camp, but he saw the chance for a little longer career and more experience with Canada, and not the US"... Four MLS teams represented on the Canadian roster is great PR for the North American league, but the name Adrian Cann gives well-deserved credence to the underrated USL. The 27-year-old was named Whitecaps' Most Outstanding Defender in 2007… "Cann is an athletic centre back," Mitchell said. "It is his first camp with European players and MLS players, and maybe he is lacking international experience … but he has a lot of playing experience."

I haven't seen him play so I can't comment about his capabilities. He may be a late bloomer-type but I'm still pretty skeptical about his situation. Would DM still have included him if McKenna and Edgar were available? Don't know.

By the way, thanks for the news updates, nolando:D

[Keegan]

CBC didnt do their homework yet again. They make us look bad. They make it sound like Honduras is better than us also. They should be hyping this team and Julian De Guzman not Amado Guevara and Ezra Hendrickson's illustrious retirement. And wow they upset CONCACAF powerhouse Nicaragua!! They called Nicaragua a powerhouse? Trinidad and Tobago is a powerhouse? Wow....

Why do they need to constantly plug Toronto FC? That comment about Amado Guevara being the reason why Honduras is third in CONCACAF is just dumb.

[Vancouver Fan]

Adrian Cann is a good USL player.I don't think he'll hurt the team but he's not going stand out at this level. He's along the lines of Gervais or Pizzolitto with younger legs.

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by Keegan

CBC didnt do their homework yet again. They make us look bad. They make it sound like Honduras is better than us also. They should be hyping this team and Julian De Guzman not Amado Guevara and Ezra Hendrickson's illustrious retirement. And wow they upset CONCACAF powerhouse Nicaragua!! They called Nicaragua a powerhouse? Trinidad and Tobago is a powerhouse? Wow....

Why do they need to constantly plug Toronto FC? That comment about Amado Guevara being the reason why Honduras is third in CONCACAF is just dumb.

Agreed. Julian (starring in La Liga) > Guevara (starring less consistently in MLS)

[Gian-Luca]

quote:

Indeed, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, nicknamed Vincy Heat, surprised Nicaragua in the first round of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup, upsetting the Central American powerhouse to advance to the semi-finals.

Come again? Nicaragua is a Central American powerhouse?

[Guest Ed]

quote:Originally posted by Keegan

CBC didnt do their homework yet again. They make us look bad. They make it sound like Honduras is better than us also. They should be hyping this team and Julian De Guzman not Amado Guevara and Ezra Hendrickson's illustrious retirement. And wow they upset CONCACAF powerhouse Nicaragua!! They called Nicaragua a powerhouse? Trinidad and Tobago is a powerhouse? Wow....

Why do they need to constantly plug Toronto FC? That comment about Amado Guevara being the reason why Honduras is third in CONCACAF is just dumb.

The CBC article doesn't mention Honduras, I assume you are commenting on the "Honduras is number 3" statement -- that was Ryan Johnson of Sportsnet.

[Toronto Ruffrider]

quote:Originally posted by Gian-Luca

Come again? Nicaragua is a Central American powerhouse?

Really, I appreciate that the CBC is writing more articles on football, but a little research would have gone a long way here. Nicaragua had a crappy team in 2004, and it has a crappy team today. Would a Central American powerhouse really get eliminated by Netherlands Antilles in the first round of World Cup qualifying, losing 3-0 on aggregate?

[nolando]

Canada can throw caution to the wind for qualifiers

Richard Starnes, The Ottawa Citizen

June 14, 2008

Soccer's eyes may be focused on Europe right now. After all, Euro 2008 is a massive event showcasing some of the world's greatest players and teams.

But it's not the World Cup and that's why my eyes will be staring firmly in another direction for a couple of days in the coming week.

There is more high-class Canadian soccer talent right now than in living memory and, starting in the Caribbean sunshine of St. Vincent tomorrow, that talent will take its first step toward the World Cup finals in South Africa in two years time.

It is a pivotal point in our soccer history; the moment when we can actually establish ourselves as a respectable international nation. And I, for one, have no intention of not watching every minute of it.

The opening round of CONCACAF qualifiers has Canada playing home and away against St. Vincent & The Grenadines and, unusually, Canada is the overwhelming favourite.

The reasons are clear. Canada is ranked 60th in the world right now while Vincy Heat -- as the locals like to call this team -- clocks in at 147th. The island chain boasts maybe 120,000 people, which is hardly larger than Kanata. It has lost its last three games to Barbados, Cuba and Jamaica and its best player -- current Columbus Crew defender "EZ" Hendrickson -- quit playing for his country in January.

By no stretch can this be called a Caribbean powerhouse.

So why is there so much caution in the Canadian camp? Coach Dale Mitchell talked this week about the danger of underestimating the opposition, about St. Vincent's "good athletes", about how difficult it is to get information on the players.

Dwayne De Rosario -- one of the best in the MLS -- suggests Canada has to take the games seriously and Toronto FC and national veteran Jim Brennan doesn't know anything about St Vincent players so talks about nice beaches, fishing and golf "down there."

Let's get real boys. You are the best squad Canada has ever assembled. Midfielder Julian de Guzman, the first Canadian to play in Spain's La Liga, has just been voted Deportivo's top player. Fullback and captain Paul Stalteri played a major role in keeping Fulham in the English Premier League this spring, although he is technically on loan from Tottenham. Atiba Hutchinson operates as a regular attacking midfielder with Copenhagen. And there are others.

Less than two years ago, then Canadian Soccer Association president Colin Lindford told me long-time Canadian international and former Fulham striker Tomasz Radzinski would be thrilled to be playing with the squad because he believes this is the strongest Canada ever. "He told me he would be proud to play with any of them," Lindford said.

Lindford is also the man who was convinced qualifying for the World Cup finals was the cornerstone if soccer was to really take hold in Canada. Lindford may have been subsequently squeezed out while trying to ensure this, but the objective has not changed. Current president Dominic Maestracci says so. So does general secretary and marketing whiz Peter Montopoli and technical director Stephen Hart.

Somewhat strangely, Hart is acting as one of coach Mitchell's assistants on the men's team. There are those who wonder who would be boss in these circumstances. Does Mitchell work for Hart or Hart for Mitchell? Who cares? Winning is all that counts and Canada has the guns to do that, both in the St. Vincent capital of Kingstown tomorrow and at Saputo Stadium in Montreal on Friday.

I know miracles can happen. But St. Vincent is a rank outsider. Put it this way. If Canada cannot win this series, we might just as well pack the whole thing in.

Talk about packing the whole thing in, maybe it is time for Italy to wave the white flag at Euro 2008. It was wrecked by the Netherlands and was lucky not to suffer the same fate against the Romanians yesterday. But one point from two games is just not good enough.

Then it can hand that flag to the French, who were even more emphatically whipped by the Dutch yesterday. One point in two games is just not good enough from the French either.

Fancy both World Cup finalists being destroyed in the space of four days. Who'd have "thunk" it? Certainly not me and certainly not the Romanians, I fancy. If they manage to beat the Dutch in their final opening-round game, they will go through and nothing that either France or Italy do to one another will matter. They will both be dead in this killer of a group.

May I just say that the way Marco van Basten's team is playing is a delight for world soccer. I am told there is an old Dutch saying that talks about how unstoppable they are when they have "the wind in our sails." That's clearly true judging by the past four days.

Here's hoping Canada gets wind in its sails down on the ocean island of St Vincent. It could blow very good things in the direction of this country's soccer future.

Richard Starnes' Beautiful Game column appears Saturdays. Send comments and suggestions to rstarnes@thecitizen.canwest.com or sportsletters@thecitizen.canwest.com.

For daily soccer news, go to his blog at ottawacitizen.com.

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=db2ab289-400b-4e27-aa72-c5155d09bbd2

[FootieFool]

Canada eyes World Cup qualifier with confidence

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=4675dfed-c526-41b9-aa76-08a5e51a4140

Peter James

Canwest News Service

Friday, June 13, 2008

Canada's men's soccer team will be a heavy favourite Sunday when it opens a two-game FIFA World Cup qualifying series against St. Vincent & the Grenadines, but head coach Dale Mitchell said his team shouldn't take the Caribbean nation lightly.

"I think there is a danger in underestimating an opponent like St. Vincent," the coach cautioned during a conference call. "Four years ago when this process started (for the 2006 World Cup), I know Canada had two 4-0 wins over Belize, but some of the other CONCACAF countries had pretty tough times at this stage. . . . I think the island teams are improving. They have good athletes and can be dangerous."

Canada, ranked 60th in the world, left Thursday for St. Vincent & the Grenadines, ranked 147th, in advance of Sunday's game in the country's capital of Kingstown. The return match is slated for June 20 at Saputo Stadium in Montreal.

The winner of the series will advance to the third stage in qualifying, beginning Aug. 20.

Mitchell was able to scout St. Vincent & the Grenadines on June 3 when it lost 5-1 in a friendly against Jamaica.

"I saw a team that's pretty athletic. They could be dangerous if they're underestimated," he said. "They have some decent individuals, but I think in general we will have players with more international experience and more club experience at a high level. We're hopeful that's going to make the difference."

The Canadian side wrapped up a training camp in Florida Wednesday, including international friendlies against Brazil (3-2 loss) and Panama (2-2 tie) and an exhibition game against an American club team.

Mitchell named 19 players to Canada's roster Wednesday, led by captain Paul Stalteri, of Brampton, Ont. The coach selected a veteran squad, including midfielders Dwayne De Rosario, Tomasz Radzinski and Julian de Guzman, all of Toronto. The goaltending duties will be shared by Hamilton's Greg Sutton and Vancouver's Pat Onstad.

Only 18 players will dress for each game, but Mitchell selected one extra player in case of injury. The coach is hopeful that de Guzman, who injured his Achilles in training and aggravated it in the loss to Brazil, will be ready for Sunday.

"He continues to progress," Mitchell said. "We feel good about his situation. Each day I think he's going to be able to do a little bit more."

There will be a couple of newcomers on the back line: Defender Ugo Ihemelu has yet to play for Canada in any international capacity and defender Adrian Cann, of Thornhill, Ont., has two international caps.

Ihemelu was born in Nigeria, but holds both a Canadian and American passport. He suited up once for the United States in 2006, but has now decided to play for Canada. He joined the Canadian team earlier this week.

"I know that he has been involved with the U.S. for a (time), but I think maybe he found that he had the chance for a little bit longer and more extended international career with Canada then he did with the U.S.," Mitchell said.

The third stage of qualifying will feature three groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group will advance to the final stage. Three CONCACAF teams will receive direct entry into the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The fourth-place team will playoff for a spot against the fifth-place team from the South America federation.

Mitchell acknowledged that the U.S. and Mexico are favoured to grab two of the berths, but suggested Canada could challenge for the third spot. "We're in with a group of others that in there battling it out," he said. "I also think the team we have right now would compete well against the U.S. and Mexico."

Canada hasn't qualified for the World Cup since 1986.

[Aljarov]

Any news on JDG? Is he going to play?

[jpg75]

quote:Originally posted by Gian-Luca

Come again? Nicaragua is a Central American powerhouse?

I just showed my girlfriend that statement and she laughed "we suck at soccer!" ah yes sweety, yes you do...

BTW, the Nicas got slaughtered 9-0 by Honduras at the last UNCAF.

[Sam]

CSA Website:

FIFA World Cup™

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Canadian men on eve of big Kingstown match

On the eve of Canada's first big game on the road to South Africa 2010, everyone is checking in healthy and ready for the 15 June match. Canada's men's national team had its last training session this morning and will now await tomorrow's 15.00 kickoff in Kingstown against Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.

"The guys have done really well, everyone is committed," says coach Dale Mitchell. "The FIFA World Cup Qualifiers are big, so everyone is looking forward to the match."

Canada's men's national team must win its two-match set in June to advance to Stage III of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Qualifiers (August to November 2008). After tomorrow's road match, Canada will return home to play on 20 June in Montréal (Stade Saputo tickets available through admission.com or 514.790.1245).

"All these players are playing on a good level, they have all made sacrifices to be here," said Mitchell earlier in the week. "Hopefully they can get the results to make this a successful run."

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines has announced that its home match will be broadcast live via internet radio on three stations: NBC Radio (nbcsvg.com), NICE Radio (bdsnice.servehttp.com) and STAR Radio (star983fm.com). Earlier this week, Canada announced that its 20 June home match will be broadcast live on Sportsnet West (television) and THE TEAM 990 (radio AM 990 and internet team990.com). The match will also be replayed on Sportsnest Pacific, Sportsnet Ontario and Sportsnet East.

Canadas mens national team is looking to get back to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986. From within CONCACAF, three or four teams (out of 35 total or 24 remaining) will represent the confederation at South Africa 2010. The Canadian men are currently ranked fourth in CONCACAF based on the most recent FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. Canada also had a top-four finish at last years CONCACAF Gold Cup by reaching the semi-final.

http://canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=3217

I wonder where they got the radio information from ??

[nolando]

Canucks must handle Heat

By THE CANADIAN PRESS

KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT -- The favoured Canadian soccer team will deal with tropical heat in its opening CONCACAF 2010 pre-World Cup qualifier today vs. St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Coach Dale Mitchell admitted that the sun was of some concern to his players since they are not accustomed to this type of heat.

"We trained in Florida in order to familiarize ourselves with such conditions, but here the sun is much more intense and we took some precaution in having the players use some cream and other such recommended skin protection," Mitchell said.

Upset hopes

Mitchell said there were no fitness concerns even though on Friday, Julian de Guzman could be seen receiving ice treatment for what looked like a foot injury of some sort.

SVG coach Stewart John-Hall says he respects the Canucks as favourites, but believes his all-amateur Vincy Heat can pull the upset.

"I think when you try to impose your opponents on the players' minds, especially in cases when that opponent is seen as the superior unit, it tends to have a negative effect on the players' state of mind and they are beaten before they even enter the field," he said.

SVG will be minus utility player Wesley John, who is with Felgueiras of Portugal.

http://ottawasun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2008/06/15/5881206-sun.html

[nolando]

St. Vincent & the Grenadines undaunted by heavily favoured Canadian squad

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — Despite being seen as ranked outsiders in their CONCACAF 2010 pre-World Cup Qualifier against Canada, head coach Stewart John-Hall is unfazed about challenges facing his St. Vincent & the Grenadines team.

John-Hall, an Englishman who took up duties as Technical Director a mere four months ago for the Vincy Heat, replaces Serbian Zoran Vranes who was in charge of the country's soccer program from 2004 until October 2007.

John-Hall says he respects the Canucks as favourites, but believes his team of amateurs can create a major upset.

"I think when you try to impose your opponents on the players' mind, especially in cases when that opponent is seen as the superior unit, it tends to have a negative effect on the players state of mind and they are beaten before they even enter the field," he said.

SVG's mercurial midfielder, Kendal Velox, who was asked to reconsider his retirements plans, is looking forward to Sunday's clash.

The 35-year-old who led Caledonia AIA to the Trinidad and Tobago Pro-League title in May is confident that Vincy Heat can beat the more highly fancied Canadians.

"We are playing at home and in conditions, which are familiar to us and because of this, regardless of how much talent and experience their team has, these advantages mean a lot in sport," the diminutive Velox said.

Ace central defender Corneilus Huggins, who captains Malaysia triple-crowned champions, Kedah FC, is also undaunted by the Canucks' ability and reputation.

"Once we stick to our game plan and support each other on the field we are capable of beating any team," Huggins said.

"And on Sunday we are not going to roll over."

The SVG team will be looking to burly and hard-tackling defender, Wesley Charles, who plays for Galway United in the Republic of Ireland, and veteran goaltender Melvin Andrews who, at 34-years-old, has stood in 144 matches.

Hard-kicking and speedy Marlon James, who got the Golden Boots in the Malaysian when he led Kedah FC to the Super League title, will look to penetrate the Canadian's defence along with Shandel Samuel.

The Vincentians, though, will be missing utility player Wesley John who is with Portuguese second division Felgueiras.

On Saturday morning, the Canucks conducted their training session at the match venue and were clearly affected by the heat, as many players could be seen wearing protective cream and using lotion.

Coach Mitchell admitted that the sun was of some concern to his players since they are not accustomed to this type of heat.

"We trained in Florida in order to familiarize ourselves with such conditions, but here the sun is much more intense and we took some precaution in having the players use some cream and other such recommended skin protection," Mitchell said.

Mitchell said there were no fitness concerns even though on Friday Julian De Guzman could be seen with heavy strapping and receiving ice treatment for what looked like a foot injury of some sort.

Sunday's match will be the second meeting ever between the two countries following the Canucks 2-0 victory at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in the early 1980's.

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iyA_uvcMOVbuVnpbU-mRvp-mh-qA

[nolando]

CANADA DOWNS ST. VINCENT IN 2010 WORLD CUP

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - Issey Nakajima-Farran opened the scoring in the 32nd minute and Canada went on to beat St. Vincent & the Grenadines 3-0 Sunday in the first leg of a two-match qualifying series for the 2010 World Cup.

Ali Gerba, who came on for the injured Rob Friend after only seven minutes, scored a pair of goals, the first coming two minutes from the break and the second two minutes from full time.

It was only the second meeting ever between the two countries following the Canada's 2-0 victory at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in the early 1980's.

The return leg is set for next Sunday at the Saputo Stadium in Montreal.

Seemingly unaffected by the afternoon's 30 C heat, the Canadians never allowed the Vincentians to settle, taking control of the midfield with ease as Julian de Guzman, captain Paul Stalteri and Tomasz Radzinski all combined with short passes to overcome the steamy conditions.

"We knew that the heat would be a factor but our intention was to play at a comfortable pace and keep control of the ball," said Canadian head coach Dale Mitchell.

SVG, however, came close to taking the lead in the 27th minute, but Marlon James' low shot was saved by Pat Onstad's outstretched leg while on the ground.

The visitors took the lead when Mike Klukowski involved de Guzman and Dwayne De Rosario before ending with Nakajima-Farran hitting a right foot past SVG goalkeeper Melvin Andrews.

The nimble Gerba made it 2-0 in the 38th when he collected a pass from de Guzman, and with the SVG defenders appealing for offside, he struck the ball low to Andrews' left.

De Rosario once more breached the defence and quickly played the ball to Gerba who calmly slotted home the third goal in the 89th minute.

James, who was the leading scorer in the Malaysian Football League, was stifled by Canada's Adrian Serioux, allowing him little space throughout the match.

The Canadians found the net in the 60th again through Gerba, but this time it was ruled offside.

Patrice Bernier replaced De Guzman in the 72nd minute and Jim Brennan came on for Radzinski in the 85th.

De Rosario came close to scoring in the 12th but only succeeded in hitting the ball wide from the edge of the box.

http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=240808

[BrennanFan]

TSN.ca deserves some respect for prioritizing Canada's win over SVG on their soccer page. They plastered Gerba's picture under a Big 'Great Win' headline. Euro Cup be damned. Well done TSN!

[nolando]

Apparently 3,000 took in the game. Any idea of how many tix have sold for Montreal? Also, was it my imagination or was there mention of DeJong's name as playing during at least one of the radio broadcasts?

A Match report here:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/nccamerica/matches/round=250464/match=10000037/index.html

and here:

http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/match?id=241533&league=FIFA.WORLDQ.CONCACAF&&cc=5901

[nolando]

More insightful CSA stuff:

Canada returns home after the win

Canada’s men’s national team will return home on Monday 16 June after a 3:0 win over Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. Canada has a three-goal lead in the two-match series of Stage II of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Qualifiers. Canada is in a good position to secure advancement this Friday 20 June at Stade Saputo in Montréal, QC.

Tickets to this Friday’s match are still available to the general public. Tickets are available through Admission (admission.com or 514.790.1245). The 20 June match - the first-ever FIFA World Cup Qualifiers™ match to be hosted by Montréal - kicks off at 19.30 ET.

Canada’s men’s national team is looking to get back to the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time since 1986. From within CONCACAF, three or four teams (out of 35 total or 24 remaining) will represent the confederation at South Africa 2010™. The Canadian men are currently ranked fourth in CONCACAF based on the most recent FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. Canada also had a top-four finish at last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup by reaching the semi-final.

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=3218

So, is the Montreal game starting at 7 or 7:30? And why the heck does FIFA still have the game listed as being played on Sunday?

[Daniel]

Pretty sure it's been 7:30 for a while.

[Kusch to the Corner]

When is game #2? The globe says it's Sunday http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080615.wspt-canada-svg15/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home

CBC radio says it's sunday...

FIFA article says it's on the 20th?

[Daniel]