U23 Olympic Soccer Qualifiers

[sadora]

Not sure if anyone is following this but Team Canada advances to the semi-finals out of group A. (Canada, USA, Cuba, El Salvador) Canada currently sits on top of the group, awaiting the result between El Salvador vs USA (El Salvador leads 2-1 at the end of the first half.....hells to the YEYAH!!!!) if this result stands, El Salvador would qualify in first, Canada second. Semi-finals would be Mexico vs Canada, El Salvador vs Honduras.

[sadora]

El Salvador knocks out the US with late minute heroics. US were leading in the second half 3-2, and with the extra time just about to be over El Salvador scores a crucial goal to tie the game, eliminating the US from the qualifiers. Canada qualifies in first place from the group.

Semi-Finals:

Canada vs Honduras
Mexico vs El Salvador

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by sadora

El Salvador knocks out the US with late minute heroics. US were leading in the second half 3-2, and with the extra time just about to be over El Salvador scores a crucial goal to tie the game, eliminating the US from the qualifiers. Canada qualifies in first place from the group.

Semi-Finals:

Canada vs Honduras
Mexico vs El Salvador

I thought the Semis weren't set yet because the other group still has a game to play.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

All that after Canada blew it in the 91st minute in their game against Cuba. Crazy they still managed first.

[sadora]

Originally Posted by cSpooge

I thought the Semis weren't set yet because the other group still has a game to play.

With one game left from group B teams, Mexico sits top of the group with 6 points and should win their game against Panama. Honduras sits second with 3 points and should win their game against Trinidad & Tobago. Anything can happen, but realistically Mexico & Honduras are very strong teams.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

All that after Canada blew it in the 91st minute in their game against Cuba. Crazy they still managed first.

How does Canada get 1st? I think Canada are 2nd. The last goal really hurt.

El Salvador +4
Canada +2

[sadora]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

All that after Canada blew it in the 91st minute in their game against Cuba. Crazy they still managed first.

Honestly, that was my mistake. I finished watching the Canada game at the 85th minute and didn't think Cuba could tie them. Both Canada & El Salvador finish with 5 points. El Salvador finishes with 7 goals for 3 against, Canada finishes with 3 goals for and 1 against. With the goal difference, El Salvador finishes in first and would play group B's second place (Honduras) Canada would have to play against Mexico.

[sadora]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

How does Canada get 1st? I think Canada are 2nd. The last goal really hurt.

El Salvador +4
Canada +2

I thought Canada had won their game. That was my mistake.

[GirlySports]

Canada got what they deserved.. didn't press at all, sat on their 1-0 lead.

[sadora]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Canada got what they deserved.. didn't press at all, sat on their 1-0 lead.

You definitely can't sit on a one goal lead.Still, I didn't think Cuba had much offense to make Canada worry. Still, great on Canada to move on to the Semis.

[shermanator]

The USA is out of the tourny, that's all I care about!

[Stay Golden]

Too bad Canada didn't press in the second 1/2 they should have beat Cuba at least 2-0.

Sitting on the lead has been the programs problem for 30 years.
Still the win 2-0 over the USA was outstanding by Canada.

That was an epic loss by the USA to El Salvador. Desperation long shot bobbled and suddenly the game ends 3-3.

That was ridiculous how the ref gave the USA an extra 2 min when the origional injury time of 4 min was expired.

These Canadian kids are doing the country proud going the semis.
I'll be cheering them on.

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Wow! USA is out! Come on Canada, pull off an upset for the ages! I want to see us in the Olympics! That would be HUGE for soccer in this country. Getting out of the group is already a major positive for the program, hopefully Canadians take notice

[Jimmy Stang]

For those that are interested, you can watch Mexico's game tonight online for free (although it does require a sign-up). Might as well get a preview to see what Canada is up against!

http://www.concacaftv.premiumtv.co.uk/

It is an official video provider to Concacaf. It doesn't appear that either of the Group B games will be on Sportsnet tonight, so this will be your only way to see them.

[calgaryrocks]

so how do we qualify? do we have to win the tournament? or just win the semi? so Canada might have a soccer team in the olympics this summer, that would be sweet!

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by calgaryrocks

so how do we qualify? do we have to win the tournament? or just win the semi? so Canada might have a soccer team in the olympics this summer, that would be sweet!

The first and second place finishers in the entire tournament qualify for the Olympics, so if Canada wins in the semifinal, they're in.

Unfortunately, that task became a whole lot more difficult. A win vs. Cuba would have seen Canada finish first in the group, and a likely semifinal match against Honduras (2nd in the other group). Because they drew Cuba, they finished 2nd in their group and will likely face Mexico (1st from the other group).

Although Honduras would have been a difficult enough opponent, Mexico is without a doubt the top team in the tournament, making Canada's path to the finals much more difficult.

But... it does set up the possibility of a very magnificent upset. They'll need to top their effort against the USA, but I can't help but remind myself of their crap efforts against El Salvador and Cuba...

[sadora]

Originally Posted by calgaryrocks

so how do we qualify? do we have to win the tournament? or just win the semi? so Canada might have a soccer team in the olympics this summer, that would be sweet!

The two finalists from this tournament advance to London. Canada needs to win their next match, which will most likely be Mexico, to go through. Semi-Finals go on March 31st

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

But... it does set up the possibility of a very magnificent upset. They'll need to top their effort against the USA, but I can't help but remind myself of their crap efforts against El Salvador and Cuba...

Reminds me of the Flames.....

[Ozy_Flame]

Canada vs. Mexico this week, and TFC vs. Santos Laguna for CCL action on Wednesday.

I'm going to pee myself.

[ratech]

Why is it U23 for Olympics? So this is a different team than our regular national team?