Concacaf World Cup Qualifying

Canada wrapped up a remarkable World Cup qualifying campaign Wednesday on a down note in a 1-0 away loss to Panama but will still go to Qatar as the top ...

Canada Soccer says Panama secretly recorded its pre-game training session back in 2012 and promoted a Panama supporters party outside Canada’s hotel that went into the wee hours of match day. Larin and Hoilett came in with a half-hour remaining as Canada looked for an equalizer. Canada came into Wednesday’s game with a 4-1-6 career record against Panama, winning 4-1 when the two met Oct. 13 at BMO Field with Alphonso Davies scoring on a memorable solo effort. And it was a scrappy affair with neither team on target in the first half. At the other end, Johnston’s sliding tackle broke up a dangerous Panama attack near the stroke of halftime. After an even start, Torres’ header was off-target in the 13th minute after Kone was dispossessed. Canada kept coming forward during the seven minutes of stoppage time but could not get the goal, with a Larin header flashing wide off a free kick. The 39-year-old Hutchinson collected cap No. 95, extending his Canadian men’s record. The U.S. (7-3-4, 25 points) finished third on goal difference over Costa Rica. The four pots for the 32-team draw are divvied up by world ranking. No. 63 Panama (6-5-3, 21 points) finishes fifth just out of qualifying contention. A physical Panama had slightly more of the ball in the first half but didn’t do much with it as Canada kept its shape.