Jonathan David’s gorgeous goal helps Canada over Honduras in World Cup Qualifying

Canada inched one step closer to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986.

A 2-0 win in Honduras in World Cup Qualifying on Thursday preserved Canada’s spot at the top of the CONCACAF table.

The team sits one point ahead of the United States and two ahead of Mexico.

Canada remain undefeated with 2:0 victory over Honduras. #CANMNT #ForCanada #WCQ https://t.co/EFaVXNCRuQ pic.twitter.com/azAPghc05S

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) January 28, 2022

It was Canada’s first win in Honduras since 1985 and they did so without the services of Alphonso Davies, who is out for the next two games as well, and Stephen Eustáquio, who could return in this window.

Tajon Buchanan helped the Canadians get off to a good start early in the match, as the young MLS striker used some fancy footwork to get around a defender before sending a hard cross into the middle.

Tajon Buchanan puts the Honduran backline under attack and leads to the own goal. This man... #problem. #CANMNT #ForCanada #WCQ pic.twitter.com/XFzhNuqEJe

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) January 28, 2022

No one in red was able to get a foot or head on the cross because it went off Honduran defender Denil Maldonado and into the back of the net for an own goal in the 10th minute.

In the second half, Honduras started to press for an equalizer when Canadian goalie Milan Borjan made an incredible save to preserve his team’s lead, diving to the left to stop a deflected header off a free kick.

Highlight: Honduras midfielder Kervin Arriaga, an #MNUFC target, nearly tied the World Cup qualifier against Canada in second half Thursday with this header off a free kick. He was in disbelief after Milan Borjan's diving save. It's type of set-piece threat he could bring #Loons. pic.twitter.com/gaxn88YSGV

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) January 28, 2022

Just minutes later, his teammates rewarded him by extending the lead to 2-0 courtesy of an incredible effort from Jonathan David in the 73rd minute.

David, who is currently linked to some of the world’s most notable clubs in the transfer window, took a long ball from Liam Fraser with an immaculate touch.

Huge save from Borjan leads to an incredibly cheeky finish from Jo David ON. A. Platter... from Liam Fraser and that trail away celly... 👀 #CANMNT #ForCanada pic.twitter.com/7KFoImGPn1

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) January 28, 2022

The 22-year-old chested the ball while in full flight, then headed it forward and ran onto it before chipping it over a charging keeper and into the wide open net.

Davies was not there to celebrate with his teammate on the field, but he was live streaming himself watching the game and his reaction to David’s goal says it all.

🗣 "JOHHNNY"

🇨🇦 @AlphonsoDavies reacts as Canada doubles their lead against Honduras #CanMNT l 📺: https://t.co/M2sOAvwfpx pic.twitter.com/859MWuEJiL

— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) January 28, 2022

Honduras continued to press in the final 20 minutes of action but were unable to get anything past Borjan, who helped Canada preserve the 2-0 victory.

The Canadian team will now return home to take on the United States in Hamilton for a crucial match on Sunday afternoon.

Following Sunday’s rivalry match, Canada will return to Central America to take on El Salvador for their final match of this World Cup Qualifying window.

9 down, 5 to go.

Top of the table 🍁#CANMNT #ForCanada #WCQ pic.twitter.com/zSyj1kbWRJ

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) January 28, 2022