By Al Clark
al@canucks-abroad.com
www.canadasoccer.com
Wow. No one could accuse the team's of Group B of not putting on a show in the last round of group games. 11 goals, 3 red cards and an all important missed PK saw Canada's rollercoaster ride take a high swing and a place in the semi-finals against the USA.

Canada knew what had to be done; win and win big. Surprisingly, Dasovic did not abandon his 4-5-1, though with the inclusion of Ricketts and Rosenlund on the wings, it did resemble more of a 4-3-3. The coach also kept faith in goalkeeper Josh Wagenaar after the keeper was at fault for Haiti's winner on Friday.

Trying to put the Haiti game behind them must have been hard, but from the offset the young Canadians seem resolute in their task. The first half had almost elapsed when attacking midfielder Will Johnson popped up to score a freekick in the 45th minute. It is a key time to score, and with another tally right after the second half kicked off Canada suddenly found themselves in the driving seat.

In addition to Johnson's brace, striker-cum-right winger Tosaint Ricketts also contributed a pair of goals, including a delightful lob that one-upped a recently conceded goal against the Haitians.

In the final minute Canada struck through substitute Kyle Hall to punctuate a 5:0 win. Oh how crucial that final goal would prove to be as the day played out. "Not in my wildest imagination did I think we would win that big," says coach Nick Dasovic. "The boys really over exceeded expectations. The players did fantastic."

Canada had done their part. All eyes were now on the Mexico vs. Haiti tilt. A complex set of possibilities left most fans rooting for a narrow Mexico win. Anything less than a 5 goal win and they were out....and other options included such arbitrary fates as a coin-toss.

Mexico scored early and were boosted by an idiotic challenge by a Haiti defender, duly earning himself a red card and leaving his team to play more than an hour a man down. Haiti's chances of qualifying themselves died in that moment. As Canada watched, Mexico now had every incentive they needed to put away the minnows and steal the final semi-final spot.

Yet, despite the urgency Mexico still weren't firing on all cylinders. Despite a man advantage they took another 30+ minutes to tally their second goal, and promptly gave up on to the Haitians. At that moment a coin toss was no longer an option. The tie would be decided on the pitch.

Mexico started to wear down their opponents scoring in the '70, '83 and '89 minutes...but the game, and their qualification was ultimately decided on a missed PK. speaking to the Canadian Press, Coach Nick Dasovic was thrilled with the performance of the Haitian goalkeeper. Despite conceding 5 goals, he stood on his head as many of this teammates threw in the towel. " was unbelievable,' says Canada’s coach Nick Dasovic. 'He was on fire". If Mexico had made the PK, or if Kyle Hall hadn't added the fifth would have sent Canada home and Mexico through. Ultimately, Mexico paid the price for some profligate finishing and two games of mediocrity. The didn't deserve to go through.

Instead, it was to be Canada's day and a chance to invoke revenge on a US side after the agonizing defeat in last years MNT Gold Cup. The winner will represent CONCACAF at the Beijing Olympics.

All of Canada will be hoping that the game is not officiated by a certain Mexican referee.

Matchtracker (from the CSA site):

Quotes Source: www.canadasoccer.com

Editor: Congratulations Canada! It was a great result, and although there were some nervy moments all's well that ends well! Good luck on the Semi Final game. What would be better than beating out the Americans on home soil after the Gold Cup? Not much!