Canada: Road to the FIFA World Cup


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Canada Gains Ground

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FIFA has just released the World Ranking on July 15, 2015 and Canada is now in 110th place, going up 4. They helped by playing against Peru and USA in the recent friendlies.

They jumped ahead of Malta, Bolivia, and Equatorial Guinea.

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The top 10 standing was a shock as every South American nations were replaced by the European nations. Argentina and Colombia were dropped 12 places, Brazil down 23 places! now in 33rd and the biggest dropper of the month Venezuela were down 44 positions.

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Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil were replaced by Greece, Italy, Sweden, and Ukraine.

The biggest movers were both African nations Mozambique and Burundi, both going up 50 places to 66th and 78th respectively.​
 

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Canada Announces 23

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Jason de Vos just released the 23 man squad for the match against Colombia and Barbados. This squad features a lot of newcomers and veterans.

Gershon Koffle and Wandrille Lefevre got their debut call-up after impressing de Vos during league play. Koffle, the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder, is a Ghanaian born that accepted de Vos invite to play. Lefevre, who plays for the Montreal Impacts, is a defender that has been a key figure in Montreal.

The omission from the team was Olivier Occean. de Vos stated that he wanted to test out other players but Occean is still a key player for the country.

Canada will want to forget the loss against Peru after not playing to de Vos standards. The game against USA, Canada did play better but in the end, they could not score.

The 23 man roster are:

Goalkeepers: Lars Hirschfeld (Valerenga), David Monsalve (Millonarios), Milan Borjan (Ludogorets Razgrad);

Defenders: Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas JK), Nana Attakora (San Antonio Scorpions), Edson Edward (FC Edmonton), Ashtone Morgan (Toronto FC), Steven Vitoria (Philadelphia Unions; On loaned from SL Benfica), Kofi Opare (DC United), Wandille Lefevre (Montreal Impacts), Jonathan Grant (FC Montreal), Marcel de Jong (Sporting Kansas City);

Midfielders: Will Johnson (Portland Timbers), Gershon Koffle (Vancouver Whitecaps), Russell Teibert (Vancouver Whitecaps), Kyle Bekker (Montreal Impacts), Chris Mannella (Toronto FC II; On loaned from Toronto FC), Junior Hoilett (Queens Park Rangers), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Jay Chapman (Toronto FC);

Strikers: Jordan Hamilton (San Antonio Scorpions; On loaned from Toronto FC), Tesho Akindele (Toronto FC), Cyle Larin (Orlando City SC)​
 
Canada World Cup

Won the 2018 World Cup with Canada on FM 14. Lucas Cavallini and Junior Hoilett were amazing for me. Like this challenge and will definitely be following!
 

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Canada Unlucky with Loss

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Canada should keep their heads up as they almost had an upset against the 15th ranked Colombia. Carlo Bacca, the AC Milan striker, scored the winning goal in the last second of the game. Many Colombian that attended the game at BMO Field in Toronto were partying with the players.

"I can't be mad" said de Vos "The lads played well, especially against a top South American nation like Colombia. Yes its hurt that lost the game at the end but the valuable experience that they gained, will help them in the future.

"But what done is done. Now we have to focus on own next game against Barbados."

It was a great 35 degree summer day as the 19,461 crowd witness a spectacular match as the the Canadian crowd saw hometown boy Jonathan Osorio score his first ever Canadian senior nation team goal in the 16th minute.

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"It's great to score for Canada in Toronto" said Osorio "But I wish the end was better."

Colombia started the game quickly as Atletico Madrid's Jackson Martinez scored just 45 seconds after an excellent through ball from Macnelly Torres. Jonathan Osorio leveled the game for Canada after getting the pass from Kyle Bekker inside the area and placing it in the bottom right corner.

As game got intense as both Canada and Colombia missed their chance and Canada's Julian De Guzman got the game only yellow, Carlos Bacca scored the game winner in the final moment of the game when he shot the rebound in the net after David Monsalve blocked Falcao's shot.

Canada next game will be in Bridgetown as they face the 165th Barbados.​
 

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Canada Dominates

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Canada had a convincing win over Barbados in Bridgetown. Jordan Hamilton scored his first 2 goals for his Canadian national career and Junior Hoilett scored his first for Canada. Gershon Koffie was ejected from the game after receiving his 2nd yellow of the game.

"Excellent performance by the squad" said Jason de Vos "I'm very happy with Jordan today as he finally got his goals for Canada and hopefully many more may come. Also Hoilett first goal for the country is a big boost for him and the nation. Unfortunately Koffie had a red card today but that part of game and hopefully this suspension will help him grow to be more cautious."

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In the press conference, Jordan Hamilton was smiling. "After that first goal, I couldn't believe it! It was a dream come true, scoring for your country. But scoring twice, it was unreal."

Crowd of 8,431 witness Canada thrashing against their home country.

Canada scored in the 24th minute when Jonathan Grant crossed the ball to the box and Hamilton headed the ball in. Hamilton double Canada lead after volleying in the ball from Hoilett cross.

A couple of minute later, Gershon Koffie received his second yellow of the game after a harsh tackle against Renaldo Best. In the 71st minute, Hoilett scored after a mess in the Barbados area where the defenders could not remove the ball from danger and Hoilett took his opportunity and tapped it in.

Canada will be back in play in October when they go Plymouth to face Montserrat.​
 

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Canada Falls Despite Good Result

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Canada is now in 115th place, dropping 5 positions, despite having a good result against Colombia and Barbados. Even though Canada lost to Colombia, they had a excellent performance against the South American giants and their dominate win against Barbados but it was not impressive enough for the officials in FIFA to go up the ranking.

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Nations like Trinidad and Tobago and Gabon all jumped ahead of Canada.

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The top 10 still features a European dominance as no South American nations are close to catching up but there a new face in the top 10 as England removed Ukraine from the top 10 and now sits in 9th place. Greece are the surprise as they are in all time high of 2nd place.

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The most improved nation was Australia as they went up 46 position from 91st to 45th. Syria, Thailand, Togo and Seychelles round up the top 5 most improved.

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The month's biggest dropper was the Republic of Ireland as they went from 37th to 72nd, dropping 35 places. Cyprus, Macedonia, Albania and Burundi round up the top 5 worst droppers.

The Senior Canadian national team will play two friendlies against Montserrat and Egypt in October. The U23 Canadian national team will begin its Olympic qualifier also in October against U23 Panama.​
 

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Canada Announces U23 Squad

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Jason de Vos has announced the 23 man roster for Canada U23 as they prepare for the 2016 Olympic Qualifiers that will happen in October.

The roster mainly consist of North American clubs and the majority of them in their B team. de Vos wanted to have players with similar playing styles and picking the players knew each other.

The 23 man squad are:

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (FC Montreal), Quillan Roberts (Toronto FC II), Chad Bush (Free Agent);

Defenders: Sam Adekugbe (Vancouver Whitecaps), Jordan Murrell (Real Monarchs), Skylar Thomas (Toronto FC II), Mele Temguia (FC Montreal), Jonathan Grant (FC Montreal), Zachary Sukunda (FC Montreal), Adam Bouchard (Toronto FC II);

Midfielders: Jay Chapman (Toronto FC), Kianz Froese (Whitecaps FC 2), Mohammed Dagnogo (Ottawa Fury), Bruno Zebie (FC Edmonton), Chris Mannella (Toronto FC II), Jeremy Gagnon-Lapare (FC Montreal), Manny Aparicio (Toronto FC II), Jonathan Vallee (Fury Academy), Louis Beland-Goyette (FC Montreal);

Strikers: Jordan Hamilton (San Antonio Scorpions), Cyle Larin (Orlando City FC), Stefan Vukovic (K-W United), Mo Babouli (Toronto FC II)

U23 Canada was placed in Group of the Olympics Qualifier with U23 Panama, U23 Cuba, and U23 USA. Canada will start their campaign against U23 Panama on October 2.

In a couple of days, Jason de Vos will announce the roster of the senior team as they will play friendlies against Montserrat and Egypt.​
 

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Canada Main Announce 23 Men

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Just days after Jason de Vos announced the U23 squad, he held a press conference in Vancouver to announce the 23 man squad for the Senior side.

Many of the regulars were featured back but some such as Jay Chapman, Cyle Larin, Jordan Hamilton were not selected due to their commitment to the U23 squad.

Many wonder how will Jason de Vos will handle both Senior and U23 teams at the same time but most suggest that the U23 team will be the main focus for de Vos.

The 23 man roster for the friendlies against Montserrat and Egypt are:

Goalkeepers: Lars Hirschfeld (Valerenga), Milan Borjan (Ludogorets Razgrad), David Mansalve (Millonarios);

Defenders: Kofi Opare (DC United), Steven Vitoria (Philadelphia Unions), Marcel de Jong (Sporting Kansas City), Ashtone Morgan (Toronto FC), Nana Attakora (San Antonio Scorpions), Wandrille Lefevre (Montreal Impacts), Edson Edwards (FC Edmonton), and Maxim Tissot (Montreal Impacts);

Midfielders: Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Gershon Koffie (Vancouver Whitecaps), Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas JK), Junior Hoilett (Queens Park Rangers), Russell Teibert (Vancouver Whitecaps), Kyle Bekker (Montreal Impacts), Julian De Guzman (Ottawa Fury), Philippe Davis (Ottawa Fury), Will Johnson (Portland Timbers), Tyler Rosenlund (Whitecaps FC 2);

Strikers: Tesho Akindele (Toronto FC), Olivier Occean (Odds BK).​
 

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Panama Error is Canada Gain

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The Canadian U23 squad opened their Rio 2016 Olympic Qualifier in style as they dominated Panama the entire game. Stefan Vukovic, K-W United striker, scored both goals after errors from the Panamanian defense. Canada might be a bit concern as their rightback Zackary Sukunda was forced out from the game.

"Excellent play by the boys" said de Vos "We executed the game plan perfectly and it showed during the game. Vukovic had a great game for us. Its very unfortunate what happen to Sukunda but we have to carry on. Hopefully he will be help support us from the stands."

With Sukunda out for the tournament, de Vos was force to bring a replacement to the roster. Jackson Farmer from the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy was called.

MetLife Stadium was packed with 250 people that saw the defensive error from Pamana. Stefan Vukovic scored the first goal after taking advantage from Harry Antonio Padilla's error to score a deftly executed shot. Vukovic scored his 2nd after another error from Panama, this time from Jose Romero, to score from close range.

Also in Group B, the USA U23 defeated Cuba U23 3-0 from goals by Emerson Hyndman, Luis Gil, Bradford Jamieson. By the end of the first round, USA leads Group B with 3 points, same as Canada but is ahead by Goal Difference.

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Canada will face Cuba U23 next.​
 

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Canada U23 On to the Next Round

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Mohammed Dagnogo scored 2 goals as Canada U23 took over the match with a 4-0 win against Cuba U23. With this win and USA beating Panama, Canada qualify to the knockout stages.

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"I'm so happy for the boys and this country" said de Vos "We played well and show the world that we want to be in the Olympics next year. But our journey is not over yet. We need to focus on our final group stage match against the US. We want to finish first in the groups."

Dagnogo, the Ottawa Fury winger, had a big game as he helped his nation with two goals and end with a 9.3 rating, winning the Man if the Match award.

Dekalb Memorial Stadium in Atlanta was packed with 125 in attendance as they witness a great performance by Canada. Jay Chapman scored Canada first goal early in the 2nd half when he scored a tidy finish from 13 metres. Mohammed Dagnogo made it 2-0 after a close range shot that was impeccably timed. Bruno Zebie scored with a nice effort from 15 metres. Dagnogo scored his 2nd after taking advantage from Adiel Alvarez error to tuck it in.

In the other matchup in Group B, USA U23 defeated Panama U23 3-0 from goals by Haji Wright, Emerson Hyndman, and Gedion Zelalem. After two rounds, Canada and the US all made it to the Knockout Stage. The next match against the two nation may decide who finishes in first place.

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Heart Breaker

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Johnny Graf scored in the final play of the game to give the US the win over their Canadian neighbours. Canada were outplayed during the match but still kept in the match until the final moments of the game.

"Disappointing" said de Vos "Even though the US outplayed us, I was still happy with the defending that the team did. Unfortunately with the loss, we are going to have a tough game against Mexico if we want to qualify to Rio."

Canada managed to record only shot on goal throughout the game and it was the first shot of the game. Montreal Impacts' Maxime Crepeau had a standing ovation by the US players and the 377 people in attendance at DeKalb Memorial Stadium in Atlanta.

The only goal of the game was during a set piece that Mele Temguia gave away. Gedion Zelalem took the freekick and Graf headed the ball past the keeper.

Now that the final game of the group stage been played. USA finished in first with Canada behind them. In Group A, Mexico finished 1st with 9 points and Honduras finish 2nd with 4 points.

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Canada will face Mexico in the Semifinals of the Olympic Qualifier as will USA will face against Honduras. The winners of Semifinals will qualify to the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

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Canada Takes Over

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The Senior Canadian men national team had an easy match against Montserrat. Junior Hoilett scored two goals including a bicycle kick. Montserrat struggle to compete with Canada and failed to record a shot in the entire match.

Jason de Vos, who just hours ago managed the game for Canada U23, had his assistant manager Rafael Carbajal to takeover the game for him.

"I was very impress with the result." said de Vos "I was watching the game on television and was very happy on how the players played. Carbajal had a great session today."

Canada started the game by scoring a goal after Edson Edward scoring on a lucky strike that fooled the keeper. Junior Hoilett made it 2-0 after a nice effort from 12 metres. Hoilett scored his 2nd goal with a spectacular bicycle kick goal which made be consider for Puska award.

Canada heads to Cairo to face Egypt in their final friendly before their start their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.​
 

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Canada Crashes Out

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Canada will not be going to the 2016 Olympics Games. The Mexico U23 outclassed the Canadians during the match and managed to score 3 goals in 10 minutes. They will face Honduras U23 for the 3rd place match.

"I'm disappointed to be honest" said de Vos "The lads played so well in the tournament. Unfortunately we dug ourselves a hole that we could not get out off. The only thing that we can do is to keep our heads high and hope for a result against Honduras."

Canada won the Olympic gold in 1904 when they were called the Galt FC and their last appearance in the Olympics was in 1984 games in Los Angeles.

Marco Antonio Bueno scored the first goal of the game after he scored a well timed shot from close range. Jose Javier Abella scored 3 minutes later with a close range effort that was well timed. Martin Zuniga scored the final goal 6 minutes later with a close range shot.

Canada will face Honduras in the 3rd place game while Mexico and USA will battle of the bragging rights in the finals

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Canada Wasteful

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Canada did not take advantage of their opportunities even though that were the better team. With this lost, Canada finished in a disappointing 4th and will need to go back to the drawing board.

"I wish we could have finish with a positive" said Jason de Vos "But that the part of the process. We will have go to the bad moment if we want to chance the soccer culture in Canada."

Canada managed to get the majority of the shot but many were wasted opportunities as they only have 6 on target.

Junior Lacayo scored just two minutes into the game after well executed shot that past the Canadian keeper. Bryan Rochez gave Honduras the 2-0 lead with a tidy finish from 12 metres. Cyle Larin gave Canada the only goal after taking advantage of Luis Guerrero mistake to score from close range.

In the finals, USA beat Mexico 2-1 with goals from Haji Wright and Gedion Zelalem for USA and Erick Torres for Mexico.

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Main Canada Poor

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Canada will want to forget this game as they need to focus on their World Cup Qualifier against Honduras in November.

"All that I can say that we need to be better" said Jason de Vos by telephone, "This was the opportunity to get us mentally prepared for the qualifier against Honduras next month."

Both Canada and Egypt had many chances but it was the Egyptians that were the better finisher as they managed to put 3 goals past Lars Hirschfeld.

Amr Gamal scored 6 minutes in when he did a tidy shot from 15 metres. Mohamed Salah doubled the lead for Egypt with a simple finish from close in. Geddo made it 3-0 after taking advantage of Philippe Davis error to score with an accurate finish.

Canada will begin their 2018 World Cup Qualifying campaign against Honduras in November at BMO Field.​
 

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Canada Continues to Drop

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Canada has now dropped to a 2015 low 121st place in the ranking. This drop was affected by the heavy loss against Egypt and importance of the match. Hopefully Canada will see an improvement when the World Cup Qualifiers starts.

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In the top 10, the South American nation have return with Brazil, Argentina and Colombia removing Portugal, England and Sweden from the top 10.

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The most improved nation was South Sudan, going up 44 places. South Sudan is followed by Albania, Niger, Peru and Chad.

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The worst droppers of October were both Northern Ireland and Malta, falling 29 places. both were floowed by Latvia, Seychelles, and Moldova.

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Canada Calls up for Qualifiers

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Jason de Vos has announced the Canadian roster of the 2018 World Cup Qualifier as the games against Honduras and El Salvador.

Surprises in the call up is 20 year old Mele Temgula, the Montreal Impact prospect, after impressing de Vos during the Olympic qualifiers last month. The defender is a great jumper that can leap very high in the air.

Coming back to the national team are Jay Chapman, Cyle Larin, Chris Mannella, and Jonathan Grant are all back after appearing in the Olympic Qualifiers.

Canada will want to get their revenge on Honduras after the embarrassing 8-1 lost that eliminated them from the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.

The rosters selected are:

Goalkeepers: Lars Hirschfeld (Valerenga), Milan Borjan (Ludogorets Razgrad), and David Monsalve (Millonarios);

Defenders: Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas JK), Nana Attakora (San Antonio Scorpions), Edson Edwards (FC Edmonton), Ashtone Morgan (Toronto FC), Mele Temgula (FC Montreal), Steven Vitoria (Philadelphia Unions), Kofi Opare (DC United), Jonathan Grant (FC Montreal), and Marcel de Jong (Sporting Kansas City);

Midfielders: Will Johnson (Portland Timbers), Gershon Koffie (Vancouver Whitecaps), Russell Teibert (Vancouver Whitecaps), Kyle Bekker (Montreal Impact), Chris Mannella (Toronto FC II), Junior Hoilett (Queens Park Rangers), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), and Jay Chapman (Toronto FC);

Strikers: Jordan Hamilton (San Antonio Scorpions), Tesho Akindele (Toronto FC), and Cyle Larin (Orlando City SC)

Canada will host Honduras at BMO Field before heading to El Salvador.​
 

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Canada Starts with a Win

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Canada got their revenge against Honduras with a 1-0 win. Not as must as they wanted but a win at home is what every Canadian wanted to see.

"Great win by the boys" said de Vos "Atiba Hutchinson was very good for us and Kyle Bekker finally got his first goal for his nation. We got the win but now we need to focus our game against El Salvador."

Atiba Hutchinson had one of the best game in recent memory after making a great individual play that led to the only goal of the game.

The only goal of the game was headed effort by Kyle Bekker after receiving the cross by Atiba Hutchinson.

In the other game in Group 1, Mexico hammered El Salvador 5-0 thanks to Javier Hernandez hat trick.

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Canada will head to San Salvador to face El Salvador.​
 

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Canada Makes it Two

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Canada makes it two win of two in the 2018 World Cup Qualifier after dominating El Salvador 2-1 in San Salvador. Will Johnson and Junior Hoilett were the goal scorer for Canada.

"Amazing result" said de Vos "We controlled the game from the start and it paid off. I wish that we took more advantages of our chance but I'm happy with the result. Now we can relax and start to focus on 2016."

Will Johnson was the man of the match after scoring a goal and an assist with a 8.7 rating.

Canada started quickly with a goal from Will Johnson after a well struck effort. Three minutes later, Junior Hoilett made it 2-0 with a simple finish from close range after Will Johnson pass. Rodolfo Zelaya cut the lead to one after a strike on net. But that was it.

In the other game of Group 1, Mexico defeated Honduras 1-0 thanks to a goal by Javier Hernandez.

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Canada will not play anymore in 2015 but will face Mexico at home on March 23rd, 2016.​
 

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Canada Rockets Up

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FIFA has announced the ranking for November and Canada has gone way up to 93rd place, going up 28 positions and finally breaking the top 100. They are also the 4th most improved nation this month. Their win against Honduras and El Salvador in the World Cup Qualifier help them go up. They up ahead of Zambia and Kuwait.

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In the top 10, Brazil dethrone the World Cup Winners Germany for first place after their South American World Cup Qualifier wins over Peru and Uruguay. To round off the top 10, there were no newcomers to the top 10.

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The best improved nation this month was Gabon, going up 43 places from 116th to 73rd. Gabon is followed by Burkina Faso, Bolivia, Canada and Guatemala.

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The worst dropper this month was Guinea going from 48th to 74th, falling 26 spots. Guinea is followed by Norway, Burundi, Togo, and Israel.

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