Canada beat Jamaica 4-0 to reach first WC in 36 years

 

Toronto: Goals from Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Junior Hoilett and an Adrian Mariappa own goal secured all three points after Canada dominated throughout against a Jamaica side already eliminated from contention in the CONCACAF region’s qualifying tournament for this year’s finals in Qatar.

The win sparked wild celebrations at Toronto’s 30,000-capacity BMO Field, where an expectant sell-out crowd had gathered to watch Canada clinch World Cup qualification for only the second time, having last appeared at the 1986 Mexico tournament.

After a dominant qualifying campaign had left them three points clear with two games remaining, Canada needed only a point from Sunday’s fixture to assure themselves of qualification.

That objective was never in doubt as Canada went on the attack from the whistle.

USA rout Panama

Christian Pulisic scored a hat trick as the United States thrashed Panama 5-1 on Sunday to all-but guarantee their qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

Pulisic scored a pair of first-half penalties -- both given against Panama captain Anibal Godoy -- before completing his treble with a virtuoso goal in the second half to leave the US with one foot in this year’s finals in Qatar.

Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola scored the other goals for the US in a victory at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium that ended Panama’s hopes of qualifying from the CONCACAF region.

The win means the United States need only avoid a catastrophically heavy defeat in their final game against Costa Rica on Wednesday to qualify automatically.

The United States have 25 points from 13 matches, while Costa Rica are three points behind following their win over El Salvador earlier Sunday. (Agencies)