Tuesday’s CONCACAF Nations League: Canada vs Honduras, Costa Rica vs Panama, Haiti vs Bermuda, Guyana vs Montserrat, Bonaire vs Turks and Caicos Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands vs Sint Maarten.
Canada vs Honduras
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After qualifying for their first World Cup for 36 years in 2022, will Canada win their first major silverware for a generation in 2023?
To date, the Canucks have hoisted aloft just one major trophy, surprisingly beating invitees Colombia in the Gold Cup Final of 2000.
This year, John Herdman’s side are in the hunt for two trophies, looking to book their place in the Nations League Finals here.
On Saturday, les Rouges beat Curaçao 2-0 in Willemstad, with Jonathan David and then Cyle Larin both scoring.
This saw Canada move top of Group C on goal difference, needing just a point to remain there.
La H were frankly terrible in World Cup qualifying, failing to win any of their 14 matches, but one of their four points did come from a 1-1 draw in Toronto.
As these two reconvene at BMO Field, can Honduras spring a surprise, or will Canada get the required result?
Costa Rica vs Panama
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Expect a big night in San José with both nations determined to feature in June’s CONCACAF Nations League Finals.
Back in June, Panama won the reverse fixture 2-0, with Ismael Díaz and Cecilio Waterman both on target at Estadio Olímpico Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez.
As a result, los Canaleros kick off one point clear of their Central American rivals, thereby needing just a draw on this final matchday.
Since that defeat in Panama City, Costa Rica have remained in the hunt by beating Martinique both home and away, but only just.
On Saturday, los Ticos very nearly lost in Fort-de-France, with Aarón Suárez equalising in the 88th minute, before Anthony Contreras won it in stoppage time.
Luis Fernando Suárez’s side featured in the inaugural Nations League semi-finals two years ago, beaten on penalties by Mexico in Denver.
To get there again, they simply have to win this one, so will it be a night of celebration for the home supporters at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica?
Haiti vs Bermuda
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Will Haiti end a very impressive CONCACAF Nations campaign with another win?
On Saturday, they smashed Montserrat 4-0 on the road, with Duckens Nazon, Frantzdy Pierrot, Derrick Etienne Jr. and Mondy Prunier all scoring.
This means les Grenadiers have accumulated 13 points from a possible 15, thereby rubber stamping top spot.
As a result, Jean-Jacques Pierre’s side will return to League A and will compete at the Gold Cup for the 16th time this summer.
Bermuda meanwhile made their Gold Cup debut in 2019, beating Nicaragua in New Jersey, but have not qualified for this year’s edition.
The Gombey Warriors were beaten 2-0 by Guyana at the weekend, so have accumulated just one point from four matches they’ve actually played; a win was awarded to them when Montserrat withdraw from a fixture.
In short, a home win seems likely at Estadio Panamericano.
Guyana vs Montserrat
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With little on the line here, expect goals in Barbados.
Guyana secured second spot in this group on Saturday by beating Bermuda 2-0, with Liam Gordon and Jeremy Garrett on target in Devonshire Parish.
So, the Golden Jaguars will compete in June’s Gold Cup prelims, seeking to qualify for the tournament for the second time, having made their debut four years ago.
Montserrat meantime were smashed 4-0 by Haiti on Saturday, so remain bottom of this group, with just three points to their name.
Guyana won the reverse fixture 2-1 back in June, with a similar result expected at Wildey Turf.
Bonaire vs Turks and Caicos Islands
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Bonaire came into this international window in pole position to secure promotion, but still have work to do.
That’s because, on Saturday, Brian van den Bergh’s side were smashed 6-1 by Sint Maarten.
So, Bonaire do remain top of Group A, but now boast an advantage of just two points, meaning only a win here will guarantee they remain in first place.
Remember, the League C group winners are not only promoted to League B, they also book a spot in June’s Gold Cup prelims.
Turks and Caicos Islands are seeking to play the roll of party-poopers, after taking their tally to six points at the weekend.
Jeff Beljour was the only scorer in a win over U.S. Virgin Islands, seeing the minnows move off the bottom of this group.
Will the hosts claim the win they need at Stadion Antonio Trenidat?
U.S. Virgin Islands vs Sint Maarten
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Will Sint Maarten stay in the hunt for promotion?
On Saturday, they smashed group-leaders Bonaire 6-1, with Gerwin Lake bagging a hat-trick.
So, Sint Maarten are now just two points off top spot, needing to win here, and hope Bonaire slip-up in Rincon three hours later, to pinch first place.
An away win looks likely in Saint Croix given that the U.S. Virgin Islands are bottom of this group, with Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Turks and Caicos Islands their third defeat in a row.
Will it be a night of celebration for Sint Maarten at Bethlehem Soccer Stadiu
