MIAMI, Florida – Another round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying matches for Qatar 2022 is in the books, with several players delivering top performances on Matchday 9 in the Final Round of qualifying.
Here is the Best XI from Thursday’s matches.
GK Milan Borjan (CAN) – The shot-stopper produced one of his best performances in a Canada shirt in the 2-0 win at Honduras. A brave intervention right before halftime in front of Honduras FW Romell Quioto was followed by reaction saves on second half efforts from Kervin Arriaga and Alberth Elis, helping Canada secure the clean sheet.
DF Antonee Robinson (USA) – The United States left back provided all the scoring the North Americans needed in their 1-0 win over El Salvador. A composed finish early in the second half was complemented nicely by an energetic performance in defense, including one ball recovery.
DF Francisco Calvo (CRC) – Calvo’s fine run of performances in WCQ continued with a superb display in Costa Rica’s 1-0 victory against Panama. The Tico defender had a ball recovery while leading a Costa Rican defense that kept Panama’s dangerous attacking line under wraps.
DF Hector Moreno (MEX) – It was no surprise to see El Tricolor emerge victorious with their anchor Moreno on the field. The veteran had a ball recovery while also completing 79 of 83 passes in Mexico’s 2-1 win at Jamaica.
MF Bryan Landaverde (SLV) – The El Salvador midfielder was a vacuum cleaner in the center of the park for the Cuscatlecos, who narrowly fell 1-0 to the U.S. Landaverde had five ball recoveries and completed 95 percent of his passes in what was a very solid performance from the Central American visitors.
MF Carlos Rodriguez (MEX) – The Cruz Azul man carried his fine run of form from Liga MX play into WCQ in Mexico’s 2-1 win in Kingston. Rodriguez registered an assist and completed 40 passes for El Tricolor.
MF Weston McKennie (USA) – The Juventus man was the motor in the U.S. midfield, helping drive his team’s attack forward, while also serving as a ball-winner in midfield, evidenced by his four ball recoveries.
MF Tajon Buchanan (CAN) – Buchanan seems to get better with every WCQ for Canada, this time using his quick pace and movement to unbalance the Honduran defense and force an own goal to open the scoring in Canada’s 2-0 win in San Pedro Sula. Buchanan also recorded three shots on goal and completed 88 percent of his passes.
FW Alexis Vega (MEX) – Vega played a massive role in both Mexico goals, paving the way for El Tricolor’s comeback 2-1 win at Jamaica. It was Vega’s header that forced a reaction save from Jamaica GK Andre Blake that allowed Henry Martin to swoop in and score. A minute later, Vegas handled scoring duties himself, notching the winning goal.
FW Jonathan David (CAN) – The 22-year-old striker scored one of the best goals of the Final Round of WCQ to give Canada a 2-0 lead in Honduras. David received a long ball off his chest before controlling it and finishing past Honduras GK Luis Lopez for the goal, capping another top performance for the Lille man.
FW Bryan Ruiz (CRC) – Costa Rica are right back in the hunt for a spot in the top four after their 1-0 win over Panama and it was veteran attacker Bryan Ruiz who got the job done with the decisive goal. The 36-year-old was perfectly placed to steer home the winning goal for the Ticos.
