Canada exorcises demons in Honduras, retains top spot in World Cup qualifying

Canada made some new memories in San Pedro Sula on Thursday.

Returning to the scene of the team's infamous 8-1 defeat in 2012, Canada exorcised the demons and took another huge step toward Qatar with a confident 2-0 victory over Honduras in 2022 World Cup qualifying.

Despite missing superstar Alphonso Davies and midfield lynchpin Stephen Eustaquio, the Canadians showed off their depth. Tajon Buchanan forced an own goal from Denil Maldonado in the first half, and Jonathan David secured the three points with a sensational tally in the 73rd minute.

The victory keeps John Herdman's team undefeated and atop the table with 19 points after nine matches in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, ahead of the United States, Mexico, and Panama, respectively.

Canada's next game is a tantalizing home tilt with the Americans on Sunday.

After a shaky opening five minutes at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano, Herdman's men regained their poise. Buchanan, whose meteoric rise continues apace, eased any early nerves when he eviscerated Diego Rodriguez with a series of lightning-quick stepovers before whipping in a cross that Maldonado could only redirect into his own goal.

Though Honduras enjoyed more possession for the remainder of a typically feisty encounter - and Milan Borjan needed to make a pair of outstanding diving saves in the second half - Canada always looked assured and composed, traits that have come to define the squad under Herdman.

The most excitable team member on the night was Davies, who streamed his live watch party; the Bayern Munich star is currently sidelined after being diagnosed with myocarditis following a recent bout with COVID-19.

Davies' reaction to David's sumptuous goal was the exclamation point on another memorable evening for Canada:

Canada, which hadn't won in Honduras since 1985 heading into Thursday's affair, is now one step closer to reaching the men's World Cup for just the second time after the program's lone appearance in 1986.

"It was a professional performance," Herdman said after the win. "We never came here to play pretty football. All that mattered was the result and it was the perfect scoreline for the team."