Prediction: Mexico to win 1-0
Best Odds: 8/1
Canada and Mexico will lock horns with each other in the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League this week. The semi-final tie between Jesse Marsch’s side and Javier Aguirre’s team will be held at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California and is scheduled to kick off at 2:30am on Friday.
Canada
Canada have established themselves as one of the best and strongest teams in the North American/South American region and have grown as a team over the years. Les Rouges have done well under former Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch’s side and will fancy their chances of going all the way in the CONCACAF Nations League.
Les Rouges eased past Suriname 4-0 over two legs in the quarter-finals. After winning the first leg 1-0, they hammered their opponents 3-0 in the second leg.
Ahead of the semi-final tie against Mexico, Marsch said: “I’m trying to build an overall DNA for the sport in the country that is about being aggressive, that is about fearlessness, that is about going after opponents, and that will be the case, I don’t care who we play.
“We will never be on the back foot. We will always search and seek to be on the front foot and set the tone.”
Team News:
Canada are likely to line up in a 4-4-2 formation. Maxime Crepeau will be in goal for the home team. Alistair Johnston, Miller, Moise Bombito and Alphonso Davies will be the four defenders. Jacob Shaffelburg, Ismael Kone, Stephen Eustaquio and Tajon Buchanan will be the four midfielders. Jonathan David and Cyle Larin will be the two centre-forwards.
Mexico
Mexico are among the top teams in the world and have a massive following and a rich history. They are one of the favourites to win the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League and will fancy their chances of winning against Canada, especially after winning 4-2 against Honduras over two legs in the quarter-finals.
Ahead of the tie, Mexico boss Javier Aguirre said: “We haven’t talked about being champions or not, we have talked about the World Cup as the main goal. That’s where our focus is. We don’t have the qualifiers, but we do have these competitions.
Aguirre added: “I’ve been in four Gold Cups, four Copa Américas, and three World Cups.
“The obligation is to go out and give it our all. Today, there’s the Champions League, and I’ve never heard Mourinho, Ancelotti, or Guardiola say they’re going to win – it’s always an expectation.
“Every coach goes out to win. I’ve never gone into a match aiming to lose or draw; we go out to win, no matter the scenario.
“With your own style, whether people like it or not, we will go out to win. I have no doubt about that. We will present our best, compete, and go out to win – of course.”
Team News:
Mexico are likely to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation against Canada. Luis Angel Malagnon will be in goal and will have Ramon Juarez, Erik Lira and Johan Vazquez in front of him in defence. Rodrigo Huescas, Edson Alvarez, Luis Romo and Jesús Gallardo will be the four midfielders. Alexis Vega and Orbelín Pineda will be the two attacking midfielders. Raul Jimenez will lead the line for Mexico.
Key Factors to Consider
- Canada have won their last 2 CONCACAF Nations League games.
- Mexico have won 1 and lost 1 of their last 2 CONCACAF Nations League games.
- Canada have won their last 3 matches in all competitions.
- Mexico have won 3 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
- Mexico have won 22 games against Canada, drawing 9 and losing 4.
Conclusion
Canada and Mexico have been two of the best teams in the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League, and the semi-final tie between them will be a very competitive and tight affair. It is very likely that the match will be decided by a single goal, with Mexico the slight favourites to get it.
Prediction: Mexico to win 1-0
Best Odds: 8/1
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