Canada starts their slate of March CONCACAF Nations League games with a trip to Curacao.
The Reds will look to start these games off well; the more games they win, the quicker they can climb FIFA’s rankings, which will be crucial in their goal to qualify for the 2024 Copa America. Head coach John Herdman selected a roster with no real surprises. Most of Canada’s top players will participate in these matches, barring a significant injury.
When is kick off? Saturday, March 25th, 9:10PM EST
Where is the match being played? Stadion Ergilio Hato, Willemstad, Curacao
TV channel/live stream? Paramount+, TUDN
What time does TV coverage start? 9:00PM EST
It is imperative for Canada to win these matches. As they look to climb the FIFA rankings/co-efficient, getting victories against fellow CONCACAF sides will help them achieve that.
Herdman also mentioned that the team is in a bit of a transition as well. After qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, Canada will look to build upon that success, bringing in new talent and letting them gel with the current squad as they get set to host the tournament in three years’ time.
On the injury front, they will be without forward Lucas Cavallini, goalkeepers Maxime Crepeau and James Patemis, and defenders Kamal Miller and Junior Hoilett. Miller was recently replaced by St. Louis CITY defender Kyle Hiebert.
Curacao goes into the game ranked 86th in the world. The tiny island country was once ranked as high as 68 (July 2017) and as low as 188 (December 2003.)
Canada has the firepower in attack and defensive stability in the back to make this an easy win.
Playing away at any CONCACAF site is difficult, but Herdman is detailed in his coaching approach and will prepare his side enough to take them on. Unfortunately, Curacao may not have enough talent to pull off an upset
