PREVIEW – Canada v Suriname will be the last of two Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal games that will be played between the two teams on Tuesday. Canada has the one-goal advantage heading into Tuesday as they look to finish the job against Suriname.
(The W-T-L as seen below with penalties counting as draws and the FIFA Rankings also provided).
Canada v Suriname: An Important Game for Both Teams
Canada (3-1-1, Ranked 35th in the World)
For Canada, besides the Trinidad and Tobago game earlier this year, it is a game with the most on the line for the CANMNT. After failing to get to the final four of the Concacaf Nations League last year, Canada will look to rectify that mistake on November 19 at BMO Field against Suriname. This is what CANMNT head coach, Jesse Marsch said about the game:
“Okay, we stayed calm in the match, and we knew that they were going to be a tough team to break down. It’s a little bit the story of our team, that we create chances, right? We find chances that can give us the lead, maybe enough control to match where we can get two goals, and then we could have, now more of a routine performance. And because we don’t find a way to get that goal in the first half with some big chances, the game is in the balance, and then we have to put a lot of energy into it.”
That is true as it took a late goal by Junior Hoilett to give Canada the edge heading into Tuesday night. However, there are a few things to consider. One is that they were playing on the road, and two, Suriname is a tough place to play, as they drew with Costa Rica earlier this year. Lastly, three of the four games played in leg 1 were one-goal games with both the U.S. and Panama having identical results to Canada on the road. The Canadians have shown an ability to play on the road as they also did against Jamaica last year.
It was also a big game for Hoilett, who said this after scoring the game-winning goal against Suriname (Source: November 16, 2024, from RTL Today):
“It’s amazing to get the win, to get on the scoresheet. I worked hard to get back in the team. I’m just delighted we got the win with it,” he said.
The question though is can they finish the job? In the previous edition of the Concacaf Nations League competition, Canada had a 2-1 aggregate lead over Jamaica heading into BMO Field but lost that game 3-2 and was eliminated by the away goal rule. Tuesday night is a chance for redemption as they look to redeem themselves.
Suriname (2-1-2, Ranked 136th in the World)
Suriname (nicknamed: Natio) will feel a bit fortunate to still be in this two-legged tie, as the team never got a shot on goal. Still, they showed some flashes of brilliance, but most times, were either unable to connect on the final third or were hesitant to shoot the ball. Their best chance was a header that hit the crossbar in the second half.
They will now need to go to BMO Field and win the game, which is easier said than done. The team that scores the first goal, could dictate how close this tie is though, and that is something Natio will be aware of. Before leg 1 against Canada, this is what the Suriname head coach, Stanley Menzo said about the upcoming game (Source: FIFA):
“It’s a chance to see how far we’ve come.”
Suriname, they have already made history and made the final eight of the Concacaf Nations League. So, there is no pressure for Suriname to make the final four of the Concacaf Nations League, as all the pressure right now is on Canada. They will be aware of that and will try to use it to their advantage.
Players To Watch for with Both Teams
For Canada, Jonathan David might be the main player that Suriname will need to be aware of. Not only does he score goals, but he also dishes out assists for his teammates. This is what Marsch said about David’s form:
“I’ve advertised him often, as the most intelligent footballer I’ve ever coached. His ability to put things to practice, his ability to reach in the game. What’s necessary, you know? So, yeah, I mean, I think for all of us on the inside of the team here, our belief in the level of striker that he is, is that at the highest level. And we all really, I think, believe that, that he can be one of the best in the world, if he’s not already in that category.”
As seen above in Oliver Platt’s X or Tweet, David has been involved in eight of Canada’s nine goals, so he will be a player to watch out for with Canada.
Another player to look out for is Moïse Bombito. His success in the backline and his ability to clear danger when needed is a big reason why Canada got the 1-0 win in Suriname. At only 24 years old, his ability to defend and prevent clear-cut scoring chances is something to marvel at, and he might also be Canada’s Most Improved Player in 2024.
There is of course, Hoilett, who is now back with the national team, and scored a goal as a substitute for the CANMNT.
For Suriname, there will be two players to watch. One is Suriname goalkeeper, Etienne Vaessen. He currently plays in the top league of the Netherlands with FC Groningen in the Eredivisie league.
There is also, La Liga striker, Sheraldo Becker, from Real Sociedad. Becker scored a game-winning goal to beat Barcelona in the La Liga fixture to end their seven-game winning streak. His confidence seems to be at an all-time high as he said this about playing in La Liga (Source: SportyTV YouTube Account):
Becker has played a total of 15 games with the national team and has already scored five goals with Natio. He is a player who is full of confidence and one that the CANMNT should watch out for on Tuesday’s game.
Looking at some of the players Suriname has, it is surprising that they ranked 136th, they have a lot of quality players, and it will only be a matter of time before they rise in Concacaf.
Head-To-Head and How to Watch the Game
READ MORE: Junior Hoilett Helped the CANMNT in Road Win Against Suriname
There is not much to add from the previous preview article, with the only difference being that Canada adds another win and is 3-0-0 all-time against Suriname. The Canadians will look to keep that perfect record come Tuesday.
What is most likely the last game of the year for both teams, will take place on November 19 at 7:30pm ET. The game will take place at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It will also be only the second game played in Canada this year, with the first one being the 2-1 over Panama last month, which also took place at BMO Field.
This game also marks the first time since 1977 (that game took place at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), that Suriname has played Canada in Canadian soil. If people remember, Suriname played a Canada home game in Chicago because of the COVID-19 restrictions at that time in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Photo Credit: CANMNT X Account on November 15, 2024.
