Powered By Blogger

Search This Blog

Thursday, September 29, 2016

TORONTO SOCCER ASSOCIATION Futsal Foundation FeFutsal Foundation Festivals 2016-17




 
The Toronto Soccer Association is pleased to announce a new and exciting development program for the 2016-17 indoor season- “Futsal Foundations”!

The confirmed weekends of play are as follows:
  • November 12/13
  • January 14/15
  • February 11/12
  • March 4/5
  • April 8/9

What is Futsal Foundations?
Futsal Foundations is a program on the LTPD development ages from U8- U12 and encompasses:
  • A series of 5 Futsal Foundation Festival weekends through the indoor season
  • FREE coach education events for the Head Coach of each competing team, including futsal techniques, tactics and laws of the game
  • Futsal Referee course- education and mentorship for referees new to the game of Futsal.
 
Futsal Foundation Festivals
The TSA will host 5 weekend events through the 2016-17 indoor season and based out of the La Liga Futsal facility in Toronto!
This facility has 3 brand new futsal courts

change rooms for competing teams,
and an upstairs viewing lounge for spectators!
The Festivals will be played in both genders at the following age levels:
  • U8
  • U10
  • U12
Of course, U9 and U11 players can also participate as part of the open roster concept permitted at these ages!
The confirmed weekends of play are as follows:
  • November 12/13
  • January 14/15
  • February 11/12
  • March 4/5
  • April 8/9
Each team will play two (2 x 25 minute) games at each Futsal Foundation Festival, and the schedule can be set so as to accommodate teams committed in other Leagues, and teams can register to play on whatever weekends fit their schedule! Play one or Play Them All!
Futsal Foundations Registration
The cost to participate in each Futsal Foundation Festival is $150/ team (2 games), and this fee includes the opportunity to attend the Pre-Season Coach Education event free of charge!
Registration form will be available here & emailed to all TSA member clubs shortly.
Team Registration opens Friday September 30th at noon- space is VERY limited so we strongly encourage immediate registration!!

stivals!!

The Toronto Soccer Association is pleased to announce a new and exciting development program for the 2016-17 indoor season- “Futsal Foundations”!
What is Futsal Foundations?
Futsal Foundations is a program on the LTPD development ages from U8- U12 and encompasses:
  • A series of 5 Futsal Foundation Festival weekends through the indoor season
  • FREE coach education events for the Head Coach of each competing team, including futsal techniques, tactics and laws of the game
  • Futsal Referee course- education and mentorship for referees new to the game of Futsal.
 
Futsal Foundation Festivals
The TSA will host 5 weekend events through the 2016-17 indoor season and based out of the La Liga Futsal facility in Toronto!
This facility has 3 brand new futsal courts

change rooms for competing teams,
and an upstairs viewing lounge for spectators!
The Festivals will be played in both genders at the following age levels:
  • U8
  • U10
  • U12
Of course, U9 and U11 players can also participate as part of the open roster concept permitted at these ages!
The confirmed weekends of play are as follows:
  • November 12/13
  • January 14/15
  • February 11/12
  • March 4/5
  • April 8/9
Each team will play two (2 x 25 minute) games at each Futsal Foundation Festival, and the schedule can be set so as to accommodate teams committed in other Leagues, and teams can register to play on whatever weekends fit their schedule! Play one or Play Them All!
Futsal Foundations Registration
The cost to participate in each Futsal Foundation Festival is $150/ team (2 games), and this fee includes the opportunity to attend the Pre-Season Coach Education event free of charge!
Registration form will be available here & emailed to all TSA member clubs shortly.
Team Registration opens Friday September 30th at noon- space is VERY limited so we strongly encourage immediate registration!!

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016: Penalty pain for host Colombia and seventh heaven for Paraguay

Yeisson Fonnegra of Colombia reacts as Paraguay win a penalty shoot out during the FIFA Futsal World Cup Round of 16 match
© Getty Images
THE DAY REPLAYED – Tension was dripping from the walls of Cali’s Coliseo el Pueblo as hosts Colombia and Paraguay did all they could to force the ball into the net across 50 tense minutes, only to come up short.
The partisan crowd had to watch their side cling on for dear life as the clock ticked towards penalties, with them surviving a Paraguayan barrage to take it to spot-kicks. But it was La Albirroja's Gabriel Ayala who struck the winning effort, breaking hearts across the nation in the process, after Colombia saw two of their kicks saved.
Russia meanwhile effortlessly stamped their authority on their tie to ensure their name does not slip out of the favourites category here in Colombia. While they couldn’t match the seven different names they registered on the scoresheet against Cuba, six did the job more than amply as debutants Vietnam were unable to cope with the power of the side in burgundy over in Medellin.
ResultsRussia 7-0 Vietnam
Colombia 0-0 Paraguay (AET, 2-3 PSO)
Memorable momentsSubstitute saviourComing into the Cali cauldron after almost an hour’s action, being sat patiently chewing your nails with nerves, is no easy task. But goalkeeper Carlos Espinola, a Ministry of Health worker back in Paraguay, stepped out from the shadows to take the limelight, saving two penalties to help decide the game in nerveless style.
Backseat driversWhile they were unable to dictate the action with their feet, suspended Colombian duo Angellott Caro and Jorge Abril did everything they could to impact it with their vocal cords instead. Captain Caro was a ball of nervous energy, shouting, clapping, screaming. Abril remained somewhat more composed, though both tried to transfer their knowledge to the field. But, unfortunately for them, once it went to penalties they were just two more agitated, and eventually pained, Cafeteros fans.
How’s your touch?
Everyone needs a bit of time with the ball to hit their groove, surely? Not Russia’s Ivan Milovanov. Sat on the bench for the first half against Vietnam, he took to court at half-time to stay sharp. Keeper Georgy Zamtaradze served him a tough opening challenge, hammering the ball 40m high amongst the rafters for Milovanov to deal with. Unfazed as it plummeted back to earth, his control was impeccable, plucking it out of the sky like it was the simplest thing in the world. A touch Diego Maradona would be proud of.
The stat
0 –
Colombia and Paraguay’s clash is the first at a FIFA Futsal World Cup to end goalless after extra time. It was only the fourth penalty shoot-out in tournament history and 4311 days since the last 0-0 draw in normal time. You have to go all the way back to 1 December 2004 when, in the Linkou Gymnasium in Chinese Taipei, Ukraine and Argentina played out a 40-minute stalemate.
The words"Eder Lima could not score today but it’s good to see others could. It demonstrates the strength of our team as we are not dependant only on the performance of one specific player." Sergey Skorovich, Russia coach
"Russia had to win and they wanted it. We just wanted to win. The logic prevails. We were not good enough physically and mentally to make it, but I’m still very proud of my players." Bruno Garcia, Vietnam coach
Next matchday21 September
Brazil-Iran (17.30, Bucaramanga)
Spain-Kazakhstan (17:30, Medellin)
Portugal-Costa Rica (20:00, Cali)


The partisan crowd had to watch their side cling on for dear life as the clock ticked towards penalties, with them surviving a Paraguayan barrage to take it to spot-kicks. But it was La Albirroja's Gabriel Ayala who struck the winning effort, breaking hearts across the nation in the process, after Colombia saw two of their kicks saved.
Russia meanwhile effortlessly stamped their authority on their tie to ensure their name does not slip out of the favourites category here in Colombia. While they couldn’t match the seven different names they registered on the scoresheet against Cuba, six did the job more than amply as debutants Vietnam were unable to cope with the power of the side in burgundy over in Medellin.
ResultsRussia 7-0 Vietnam
Colombia 0-0 Paraguay (AET, 2-3 PSO)
Memorable momentsSubstitute saviourComing into the Cali cauldron after almost an hour’s action, being sat patiently chewing your nails with nerves, is no easy task. But goalkeeper Carlos Espinola, a Ministry of Health worker back in Paraguay, stepped out from the shadows to take the limelight, saving two penalties to help decide the game in nerveless style.
Backseat driversWhile they were unable to dictate the action with their feet, suspended Colombian duo Angellott Caro and Jorge Abril did everything they could to impact it with their vocal cords instead. Captain Caro was a ball of nervous energy, shouting, clapping, screaming. Abril remained somewhat more composed, though both tried to transfer their knowledge to the field. But, unfortunately for them, once it went to penalties they were just two more agitated, and eventually pained, Cafeteros fans.
How’s your touch?
Everyone needs a bit of time with the ball to hit their groove, surely? Not Russia’s Ivan Milovanov. Sat on the bench for the first half against Vietnam, he took to court at half-time to stay sharp. Keeper Georgy Zamtaradze served him a tough opening challenge, hammering the ball 40m high amongst the rafters for Milovanov to deal with. Unfazed as it plummeted back to earth, his control was impeccable, plucking it out of the sky like it was the simplest thing in the world. A touch Diego Maradona would be proud of.
The stat
0 –
Colombia and Paraguay’s clash is the first at a FIFA Futsal World Cup to end goalless after extra time. It was only the fourth penalty shoot-out in tournament history and 4311 days since the last 0-0 draw in normal time. You have to go all the way back to 1 December 2004 when, in the Linkou Gymnasium in Chinese Taipei, Ukraine and Argentina played out a 40-minute stalemate.
The words"Eder Lima could not score today but it’s good to see others could. It demonstrates the strength of our team as we are not dependant only on the performance of one specific player." Sergey Skorovich, Russia coach
"Russia had to win and they wanted it. We just wanted to win. The logic prevails. We were not good enough physically and mentally to make it, but I’m still very proud of my players." Bruno Garcia, Vietnam coach
Next matchday21 September
Brazil-Iran (17.30, Bucaramanga)
Spain-Kazakhstan (17:30, Medellin)
Portugal-Costa Rica (20:00, Cali)

FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016: Paraguay come from behind to reach last 16





Emmanuel Ayala of Paraguay celebrates after he scores
© Getty Images
18 Sep 2016


Paraguay climbed back from an early two-goal deficit to defeat Guatemala 8-4 and ensure their progress to the knockout stages of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016.
Guatemala went into the match in Cali knowing only a win would keep their Colombia 2016 journey alive and they played with an urgency that certainly suggested that. Within two and a half minutes Los Chapines flew into a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Jonatan Arevalo and Walter Enriquez, who capitalised on mistakes made by the Paraguayan backline.
Guatemala continued to defend valiantly but eventually Emmanuel Ayala found the breakthrough for favourites Paraguay thanks to a powerfully taken free-kick. Within a minute, Ayala found the goal again when Richard Rejala found him with an incisive pass. Rejala then completed the comeback for the South Americans two minutes from the break.
The disappointment from having lost their two-goal lead seemed to effect Guatemala as Paraguay used the momentum from their strong finish in the first half to carry them through the second half. Ayala completed his hat-trick with less than four minutes into the second half when he took a strong shot from the top of the penalty area which slid through the legs of goalkeeper Carlos Merida.
Juan Pedrozo scored Paraguay's fifth but Jose Mansilla made it a nervy finish in Cali with a driven shot with his right foot that found the inside of the roof of Gabriel Gimenez's net. However, a goal from Juan Morel and then a full-field chip from Hugo Martinez made no doubt who the superior team on the night was. Guatemala never gave up with Jose Gonzalez scoring a consolation goal near the final whistle.
Paraguay's emphatic finish meant they secured the victory and progression to the knockout stages. Paraguay coach Carlos Chilavert will do his best to see his side better their Thailand 2012 performance when they dropped out of the tournament at the Round of 16. Guatemala can be proud of the fight they showed in the match but head out of the competition. 

Friday, September 9, 2016

SCIENCE AND MEDICINE: Científicos de Harvard muestran la resistencia de bacterias "mutantes" a antibióticos

 

El experimento mostró cómo este tipo de organismo dio lugar a mutantes de resistencia moderada que generaron cepas altamente resistentes y capaces de defenderse de las más altas dosis de antibióticos.

Científicos de la Universidad de Harvard (EEUU) presentaron un modelo con el que se observa la resistencia de las bacterias a los antibióticos diseñados para detenerlas o eliminarlas.
Para su experimento, publicado hoy en la revista Science, los investigadores crearon una placa de Petri rectangular de 122 centímetros de largo y 61 centímetros de ancho con nueve compartimentos horizontales.
En los compartimentos de los dos extremos, los científicos de Harvard no introdujeron medicamento alguno, mientras que en los inmediatamente colindantes pusieron una dosis de trimetoprima, en los siguientes una cantidad 10 veces mayor de ese antibiótico, en los otros 100 veces y en el central 1.000 veces mayor a la primera.
Los científicos introdujeron entonces unas dosis de la bacteria Escherichia coli, también conocida como E. coli en los extremos y durante los siguientes diez días comprobaron como fue avanzando hasta llegar al compartimento central y mutar en superbacteria.
En sus conclusiones, los científicos mostraron como las primeras bacterias con baja resistencia a los antibióticos "dieron lugar a mutantes de resistencia moderada que finalmente generaron cepas altamente resistentes y capaces de defenderse de las más altas dosis de antibióticos".
"A cada nivel de concentración, un pequeño grupo se adaptaba y sobrevivía", añadió el estudio, al constatar que las descendientes de las bacterias mutantes "migraban a las zonas de mayor concentración del antibiótico".
Lo que permitió la placa de Petri fue "reconocer conceptos con los que se pensaba en abstracto", apuntó la investigadora Tami Lieberman, que participó en el experimento que calificó como "una demostración impresionante de la rapidez con la que evolucionan las bacterias". 

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE 2016-17:Manchester United vs Manchester City: El partido más caro de la historia





El Manchester City de Bravo visita mañana sábado Septiember 10



al United. Sumando el gasto en los 22 posibles titulares, se superan los US$ 800 millones.

 
Mañana, la atención del mundo del fútbol estará en Manchester. En el estadio Old Trafford, se disputará el derbi de la ciudad, entre el United y el City, uno de los juegos más esperados de la temporada 2016-2017. Y un chileno puede ser protagonista.

Ayer, Claudio Bravo cumplió el primer entrenamiento con sus nuevos compañeros, ya que con anterioridad hizo trabajos solo, pues restaban cerrar detalles de su transferencia y con el receso por la fecha FIFA muchos de los integrantes del plantel fueron a sus selecciones, mientras él se restó de la doble fecha eliminatoria por “razones personales y familiares”, tal como constató el periódico The Guardian.

Pensando en la cercanía con el cotejo ante el United, le queda la práctica de hoy para ganarle la titularidad a Willy Caballero.

Más allá de la presencia de Bravo, el de mañana será uno de los partidos más atractivos de la temporada. La presencia de José Mourinho y Josep Guardiola en las bancas le entrega un plus a este choque que hace de Manchester el gran imán del fútbol durante esta campaña. El portugués y el catalán son los protagonistas de un compromiso tan intenso como polémico, que tuvo en la liga española su gran plataforma.

Hay un dato no menor con respecto al duelo. Según publicó el diario inglés Daily Mail, este será el partido más caro de la historia. Revisando las posibles formaciones para el derbi, ambos clubes han gastado 820 millones de dólares en los 22 jugadores que entrarían al ‘Teatro de los Sueños’. Una alta inversión sostiene los proyectos para volver a gobernar en la Premier League. Si el City gastó US$ 240 millones esta temporada, el United puso sobre la mesa US$ 208 millones.

La gran apuesta del Manchester United, y sobre todo de Mourinho, es Paul Pogba. Los Diablos Rojos consiguieron el retorno del volante francés al club por US$ 118 millones, siendo el fichaje más oneroso de la historia. En este ejercicio, el United muestra un once estelar más caro que el del City, y eso que dan ventaja porque Zlatan Ibrahimovic llegó libre.

En las canchas no se ve a Sergio Agüero, porque el argentino será baja para los Citizens debido a una suspensión de tres partidos que le dio la Asociación Inglesa (FA), por conducta violenta en el partido ante West Ham (le dio un codazo a un rival).

La expectación es tal que la policía de ciudad del noroeste de Inglaterra (GMP) preparó un dispositivo especial, con 400 agentes de seguridad para reforzar ese ítem antes, durante y después del partido, particularmente en bares y lugares de encuentro en la urbe e inmediaciones del Old Trafford. “Éste es el partido más importante de la temporada y, sin ninguna duda, todos los ojos del mundo estarán puestos sobre Manchester”, señaló Dean Howard, inspector jefe de la policía de Manchester.

Esas expectativas traspasan fronteras. El clásico será visto en 190 países

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Canada to battle Honduras on the Road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Canada to battle Honduras on the Road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Posted on 31 August 2016 in Men's National Team
Canada have a chance to take a step closer to the "Hex" with a positive result this Friday night on the Road to Russia when they face rivals Honduras on Match Day 5 of the CONCACAF semi-final stage of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers.
Canada will face Honduras away on Friday 2 September and then El Salvador at home on Tuesday 6 September. The home match will be played at BC Place in Vancouver, with tickets available now at www.canadasoccer.com/tickets. Both matches will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2, with the Friday match kicking off at 17.00 ET / 14.00 PT (15.00 local) and the Tuesday match kicking off at 22.00 ET / 19.00 PT (19.00 local).
Canada and Honduras are even on four points after four matches, so the Friday match is massively important for both sides. Between Canada, Honduras, and El Salvador (two points after four matches), only one of those nations will finish second in the group and join Mexico in the "Hex."
"Our players know perfectly that the battle will be on the pitch," said Benito Floro, Head Coach of Canada Soccer's Men's National Team. "We can say that this will be a battle between 22 players and that the team that keeps their shape and tactical plan will have the best chance to win the match."
Canada and Honduras have long been rivals in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Their last meeting in this semi-final round was a 1:0 win for Canada at Vancouver in front of a memorable crowd at BC Place in November 2015. With both nations tied on points, the 2 September match in San Pedro Sula will play a big part in the final group standings.
"If we get three points, it puts us in the driver's seat," said David Edgar. "It's in our hands and that's the best way to look at it."
Since both nations’ last matches in March, Canada played a pair of international matches during the June window, posting a draw and a win while preparing for these September matches. Players have since competed with their clubs before rejoining Canada at the end of August for this opportunity to win a spot in the Hex.
Among this group of players in club action this season, several have returned "home" to clubs in Canada, including Edgar with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Marcel de Jong with Whitecaps FC (after a stint with Ottawa Fury FC), Nik Ledgerwood with FC Edmonton, Tosaint Ricketts with Toronto FC, and Jamar Dixon with Ottawa Fury FC.
Also since the spring, Atiba Hutchinson has won a Turkish Süper Lig with Beşiktaş JK to qualify for 2016-17 UEFA Champions League while Scott Arfield has won the England Championship with Burnley FC to earn promotion to the Premier League.
"Our players have demonstrated an excellent commitment along the way," said Benito Floro, Canada Soccer's Men's National Team Head Coach. "The players trust in their capacity to achieve a place in the Hex."

SUPPORT #CANADARED, BE CANADA'S 12th MAN
After an away match in Honduras on 2 September, Canada will return home to face El Salvador in a critical match on 6 September at BC Place in Vancouver. Canada will need the support of the 12th man at home to help build a sea of #CanadaRED supporters, tickets to the match start as low as $25 (plus applicable fees). In addition, a special ‘Me+3’ offer will be available for this match. When purchasing three full price tickets in select sections, fans will receive the fourth one free. This offer is available via Ticketmaster.ca by selecting the ‘Me+3’ offer.
Group discounts are available with groups of 10 or more eligible to receive discounts of up to 30% off regularly priced sections. To request group tickets, complete the group order form indicating the price point and quantity of tickets you are wishing to purchase. Please note that group tickets will be processed on a first come, first served basis. For complete information visit the group ticket section on CanadaSoccer.com/Tickets
BC Place Club Seats offer fans a premium match day experience featuring exclusive entrances, in-seat service, larger comfortable seats, exclusive club lounges with a full-service private bar and heightened food offerings, all from some of the best views in the venue. Fans purchasing club seats will receive a complimentary Canada Soccer scarf (retail value of $30) upon arrival to their seats on match day.
Canadian Supporters have been allocated a number of dedicated sections in the southwest end of BC Place. Fans wishing to sit in the Canadian supporter sections are encouraged to visit the Voyageurs website for more information and to purchase tickets through thevoyageurs.org. Please note that persistent standing will be permitted in these sections.
Visiting supporters will be located in the northeast corner of BC Place. Fans wishing to sit in these sections should select "El Salvador supporters" from the drop-down menu on the Ticketmaster event page.
Complete ticket information can be found at CanadaSoccer.com/Tickets.
ROAD TO THE 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA
The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ is the biggest single-sport event in the world. From 211 member associations from around the world, 32 finalists will qualify for the 32-day event that is played in 11 cities from 14 June to 15 July 2018.
Canada are amongst the 11 remaining CONCACAF nations in the hunt for a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. The remaining nations are split into three groups for the continent's 2015-2016 semi-final stage. The top-two nations in each group will advance to the final “Hex” round in 2017, from which three nations qualify for Russia 2018 and the fourth team advances to an intercontinental playoff.

ROAD TO RUSSIA 2018: Canada returns on Friday September 2 2016 to the site of humiliating 8 1 defeat in World Cup qualifier against Honduras


Canada returns on Friday September 2 2016 to the site of humiliating 8 1 defeat in World Cup qualifier against Honduras
Nearly four years on from a spectacular humiliation, Canada’s men’s soccer team returns to Honduras with its World Cup qualifying hopes once again hanging in the balance
Canada needed just a tie with Honduras at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano on Oct. 16, 2012 to advance to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. Instead they capitulated in spectacular fashion, losing 8-1 in a historic setback for the Canadian men’s program.
Once again, Canada is in position to qualify for final round, known as the hex. The Canadians take on Honduras on Friday before returning home to host El Salvador at BC Place in Vancouver to conclude the penultimate round.
“It’s probably the biggest game since the last time we said this four years ago against Honduras so it’s massive and it’s just about getting the three points,” defender/midfielder David Edgar said from Orlando, where the team is conducting its training camp.
“It’s going to be quite similar to the last time we played them because that second spot’s still up for grabs for both teams. It’s going to be a vicious atmosphere but we’re used to it in places like Panama and Honduras. It’s just about getting our heads down and getting on with it.”
Head coach Benito Floro took the reins full time in 2013 after Stephen Hart’s resignation following the 8-1 debacle. He’s focused extensively on developing the team’s tactics.

With Honduras expected to be buoyed by the home field advantage, this will be the ultimate test for three years of work.

“It’s a special game because it is an official game and it is very important for both teams towards the qualification,” Floro said in a conference call on Wednesday. “But this is a game of soccer. There are two teams, a ball, a referee and a tactical plan. The matter is to understand perfectly what to do.”

Everything about playing in Honduras is intimidating. It’s hot, and when it rains it can come in buckets. Organizers have scheduled the game for the middle of the afternoon to maximize the blistering Central American sun.

The stadium has been open since 1997 but looks about 50 years older and is in poor repair. And yet, with Friday being an unofficial national holiday for the game, upwards of 40,000 fans could pack the stadium hours before kickoff, making a lot of noise and breathing down the Canadians’ backs as they take the field.

But where there’s hostility, Edgar sees possibility.

“They’re a very good crowd but they also had a lot to cheer about last time,” he said. “If we score away or in any part of the game they can get on the home team’s back just as easily as they can get behind them so we know we can use that to our advantage.”

Through four games, Canada is tied with Honduras on four points, with Honduras holding a superior goal difference. But while Canada hosts last-place El Salvador in its final game, Honduras has to face regional juggernaut Mexico on the road. So Honduras is under more pressure to get a win on Friday.

Adding to the pressure for the hosts is the near blanket coverage in Honduras, with plenty of television networks covering its training sessions and its head coach holding a press conference carried live on Tuesday night.

 

Canada's Cyle Larin fights for the ball against Mexico in a qualification game earlier this year. The Canadian men's national team is set to play a crucial game in Honduras on Friday.Four years ago Canada's World Cup dreams evaporated in a devastating 8-1 loss under the Honduran sun. 

The coming six days presents the Canadian men's national soccer team a chance at revenge. 

On the heels of the Canadian women's captivating bronze-medal performance at the Rio Olympics, the men have a chance to continue Canada's success on the pitch by taking another step toward qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Canada has two matches left in Round 4 of qualification, starting at Estadio Olimpico in Honduras on Friday. Four days later, Canada plays its final Group A match against El Salvador at B.C. Place in Vancouver on .

Race to 'the Hex' 

Situated in Group A along with Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras, Canada is in third place with four points after a win, a draw and two losses.

The top two teams in the group advance to the final round of qualification, commonly referred to as the Hexagonal Round, or just simply "the Hex." 

Honduras (1-1-2) has an identical record to Canada's, but has a better goal differential (+3), giving the small Central American nation the edge for second position in the group. 

"It's probably the biggest game since the last time we said this four years ago against Honduras so it's massive and it's just about getting the three points," defender/midfielder David Edgar said from Orlando, where the team is conducting its training camp.

"It's going to be quite similar to the last time we played them because that second spot's still up for grabs for both teams. It's going to be a vicious atmosphere but we're used to it in places like Panama and Honduras. It's just about getting our heads down and getting on with it."

A loss against Honduras wouldn't mathematically eliminate the Canadians, but it would put the squad in a very difficult position heading into the final day of Group 4 qualification.

Searching for only its second World Cup berth  — the only appearance was in 1986 in Mexico —  a win in Honduras would allow Canada to control its own destiny ahead of its final Round 4 qualification game against last-place El Salvador (0-2-2) on Sept. 6.

"It's a special game because it is an official game and it is very important for both teams towards the qualification," manager Benito Floro said in a conference call on Wednesday. "But this is a game of soccer. There are two teams, a ball, a referee and a tactical plan. The matter is to understand perfectly what to do."

No shortage of history

Undefeated Mexico (4-0-0) has already locked up top spot in Group A and El Salvador basically out of contention, Canada and Honduras are scrapping for the coveted second spot. 

Canada has no shortage of history in World Cup qualification against Honduras, most of it bad. In the past two World Cup qualifications, Canada has twice been eliminated from contention in Honduras — a 3-1 loss in 2008 and the 8-1 collapse in 2012 when a draw would have secured a spot in the Hex.

The drubbing prompted some major changes for the organization. Manager Stephen Hart resigned and Floro was brought in to replace him.

Floro has implemented new systems and with the help of new players such as Cyle Larin and Scott Arfield, Canada is back in the same position it found itself in four years ago. While the team boasts two players in midfielder Atiba Hutchinson and goalkeeper Milan Borjan who will compete in the upcoming UEFA Champions League, Canada will be without the services of injured captain Julian de Guzman.

Setback against Mexico 


Canada got off to a good start in Round 4 with a 1-0 win over Honduras on Nov. 13, 2015 in Vancouver and followed it up with a 0-0 draw on the road against El Salvador four days later. But two losses to Mexico — 3-0 on March 25 and 2-0 four days later — saw Canada drop in the group.

If Canada were to advance to the Hex, it would play a round-robin home-and-away series against Mexico and the other top two teams from Groups B and C (six teams total). The top three teams in the Hex automatically qualify for Russia 2018 while the fourth-place team would need to play a head-to-head playoff series with an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nation for a final chance to qualify. 



Canada vs Honduras - 2015-11-13


Canada, FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers
Project: [2015-11] 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Round 4


Canada

1


Honduras

0


Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Venue
BC Place Stadium
Attendance
20,108
Kickoff
19.00 local (22.00 ET / 19.00 PT)
Broadcast
TSN, RDS, TSN Radio
Canada colours
Red
Honduras colours
White
Canada Player of the Match


This Day in Football:


Canada wins 1:0 over Honduras to kick off the CONCACAF semi-final stage of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Qualifiers. The match is played in front of 20,108 fans at BC Place, the largest crowd for a Men’s National Team match in the Province of British Columbia. Julian de Guzman makes his 84th appearance, equaling Canada’s international record held by Paul Stalteri. Cyle Larin scores the lone goal, with the ball rolling off his back from a Will Johnson header after a Junior Hoilett cross.

Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Venue
BC Place Stadium
Attendance
20,108
Kickoff
19.00 local (22.00 ET / 19.00 PT)
Broadcast
TSN, RDS, TSN Radio
Canada colours
Red
Honduras colours
White
Canada Player of the Match

 


 

FIFA SCANDAL: Swiss open 2006 FIFA World Cup criminal case against German great Beckenbauer



Swiss open 2006 FIFA World Cup criminal case against German great Beckenbauer


Messi hurts hamstring, could miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay (today Septemeber 1st) and Bolivia (Tuesday September 6th).


Goalkeeper Joe Hart smiles upon his arrival at the Torino soccer team headquarters in Turin, Italy, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016. England goalkeeper Joe Hart is on the verge of completing a loan move to Torino from Manchester City



Canada's Kevin McKenna, center right, is conforted by a teammate at the end of a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Honduras in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on Oct 16, 2012. Canada will play a decisive qualifier for Russia 2018 Wolrd Cup, a must win or tie at least if Benito Floro's national team want a comeback to a World Cup.







 

FIFA SCANDAL: Swiss open 2006 FIFA World Cup criminal case against German great Beckenbauer



Swiss open 2006 FIFA World Cup criminal case against German great Beckenbauer


Messi hurts hamstring, could miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay (today Septemeber 1st) and Bolivia (Tuesday September 6th).


Goalkeeper Joe Hart smiles upon his arrival at the Torino soccer team headquarters in Turin, Italy, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016. England goalkeeper Joe Hart is on the verge of completing a loan move to Torino from Manchester City



Canada's Kevin McKenna, center right, is conforted by a teammate at the end of a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Honduras in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on Oct 16, 2012. Canada will play a decisive qualifier for Russia 2018 Wolrd Cup, a must win or tie at least if Benito Floro's national team want a comeback to a World Cup.







 

ICE SKATING: Canadian Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir return to the ice after two years away




Tessa Virtue couldn’t find one adjective to describe her and ice dancing partner Scott Moir’s return to competition after two years away from the sport.
So she used four instead. “It’s inspiring, it’s challenging, it’s terrifying, it’s thrilling, I mean, we’ve really run the gamut of emotions throughout this comeback process,” Virtue said Wednesday at the Skate Canada high-performance camp at Hershey Centre.

“We’re impressed with the state of the skating world. We had the opportunity to step back and get some distance and a different perspective on it. Sitting in the stands for some practices, watching things unfold from home was very different. But I think we have a different appreciation of the sport and a different idea of where we want to take our own skating.”
Virtue and Moir, both from the London, Ont., area, became national names after winning gold at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. They followed that up with a silver in Sochi four years later before deciding to take a break from the ice.
The two announced their return earlier this year but started amping up their fitness levels for competition last fall.
“We tried our best, but to be honest it was difficult. Two years off is a long time,” the 28-year-old Moir said. “We tried to come back as early as possible but there were still a couple things, the body doesn’t work quite the same as it did at 24 and 20.
“I felt this year it was a bit of a struggle but now seeing the light and trusting in the training, trusting all that experience has brought us around to competition shape. It’s exciting. I’m getting a couple years back on my life here.”
Virtue and Moir have moved their training base to Montreal to work with Canadian ice dancing coaches Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon. Training alongside them is the dynamic young French pair Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron.
Virtue described the talent of Papadakis and Cizeron, both 21, as “absolutely phenomenal.” Moir echoed that praise.
“They’re pushing the sport,” he said. “We really pride ourselves on trying to do things different but they are taking the sport to a new level and I think it’s going to be a challenge for us to even compete against them in the next couple of years.”
The veteran ice dancers, who also won gold at the 2010 and 2012 world championships, admitted they have much to learn from the new crop of young stars, including Canada’s Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje.
Virtue said that challenge has been a driving force in their comeback. For Moir, it’s been about competition.
“We’re competitors, we’re looking to win. That’s never changed for 10 years and I don’t think it ever will,” Moir said. “But our perspective really has changed. Not that we don’t want to win, we’re coming in here wanting to win a gold medal for Canada, but I don’t think we judge ourselves solely on that result anymore.
“This part of our journey is going to be [about] whether we can improve our skating to the level we want it to be and we’ll know. We always say we know before the judges’ marks come up and that’s going to be more important this time around.”
Report Typo/Error

 

How Canada's pairs champions turned a frustrating season around (CP Video)