Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies tearfully live-streamed his reaction to Canada sealing their place at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the first World Cup the nation has reached since 1986.
A 4-0 win over Jamaica was enough to book their place at international football's biggest stage for the first time in 36 years. Davies was not present for the victory as the 21-year-old continues his recovery from being diagnosed with mild myocarditis - an inflammatory heart condition. "I'm going to the World Cup. We're going to the World Cup, man! I cannot believe it," Davies said. "I'm tearing up. My dream has come true."
Davies has made great strides in his recovery after stepping up his rehabilitation to now reach a stage where he has returned to training with Bayern, and manager Julian Nagelsmann has even said he could return in time for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Villarreal.
"He probably will be back in about three to four weeks, at least that is still our goal," the Bayern boss said. "So he will be playing that Champions League game hopefully against Villarreal if everything works as usual."
Goals from Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan put Canada 2-0 up before the interval. Former Premier League star Junior Hoilett added a third and the result was put beyond any doubt when an Adrian Mariappa own goal sealed the victory.
The BMO Field played witness to wild celebrations from the Canadian supporters overjoyed at their side's success. The final two CONCACAF qualification spots are still up for grabs. The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama all remain in the hunt to join Canada in Qatar later this year.
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Canada are currently managed by John Herdman, who will be desperate to better the nations last showing at the World Cup. The Maple Leafs finished bottom of their group in 1986 without notching a single goal.
"You know what, you can play in a Champions League final, Canadians can play for Bayern Munich and now we’re going to World Cups," Herdman told the press while celebrating. "Canada is a football nation. You better believe it and we’re going to keep coming. We’re only getting started.
"It’s just belief, absolute belief. The people behind this team, the team behind the team. We’ve been through some tough times. It hasn’t been easy. But we’ve done it. I’m just happy for these lads. When I first took over and I said we’re going to go a World Cup, I don’t think they believed us. All of these fans, they’ve waited, they’ve waited and hung in with us … and we’re going."
