Canada kept waiting after Costa Rica loss, US-Mexico draw

With Panama being surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw at home to bottom team Honduras, the Canadians needed only a draw in San Jose to secure their second ever World Cup appearance following the 1986 finals in Mexico. But the Canadians were rocked after defender Mark-Anthony Kaye was sent off on 34 minutes for picking up his second yellow card of the night. Costa Rica made the advantage count, and deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half Celso Borges headed home Gerson Torres's cross to score the game's only goal.

Canada battled bravely to get back on level terms after the break, with Tajon Buchanan looking threatening throughout only to be denied by Costa Rica's veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Jonathan David almost salvaged a goal for Canada but his shot was deflected behind for a corner. Richie Laryea went close for Canada on 73 minutes but his shot was saved by Navas.

Buchanan then hit the bar with a header before a follow-up shot flew just over. Despite being a man down, Canada finished the stronger of the two teams but were unable to break down a resolute Costa Rica side. Canada remain on top of the qualifying standings for Central America, North America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), however, with 25 points and two rounds remaining.

A single point in Sunday's home game against Jamaica at Toronto would seal Canada's qualification for Qatar -- and coach John Herdman backed his side to close out qualification. "We can take control of our destiny," the Englishman said after Thursday's loss. "We'll take care of business this weekend, and if it doesn't get taken care of there, we'll take care of it in Panama.

We will get to Qatar. "It's a tough loss tonight. We would have loved to put this team in Qatar.