Canada breaks after ten-day camp

Next up: Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. Canada’s men’s national team has completed its two-match preparatory series against Brazil and Panama and is now ready to face Saint Vincent & the Grenadines on 15 and 20 June in 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers™ South Africa.

“Our initial ten days in camp have been very productive and beneficial to our preparations,” says coach Dale Mitchell. “We have been able to see a number of guys in two competitive internationals, which is the only true way to assess the players. It is important that every one here take a little break now before we come back together for our final preparations on Sunday.”

Canada’s men’s national team must win its two-match set in June to advance to Stage III of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers™ South Africa (August to November 2008). Canada plays on the road on 15 June (Kingstown) and at home on 20 June (Stade Saputo in Montréal – tickets available through admission.com or 514.790.1245).

Canada played a terrific match against the world’s number-two ranked Brazil on 31 May in Seattle, WA. The match was tied 2-2 before Canada inadvertently slipped a pass back towards its goal that was intercepted and scored by Brazil. Canada’s goals were scored by Rob Friend and Julian de Guzman.

On 4 June, Canada played to a 2:2 draw with CONCACAF rival Panama. Canada made seven substitutions, ensuring that every outfield player was used. Teenager Jaime Peters and veteran Ante Jazic scored for Canada.

Canada will regroup this Sunday 8 June in Florida. Coach Dale Mitchell will select 18 players for the final camp before heading down to Kingstown, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines for the first big match on 15 June.