Canada trains wih full squad before Armenia match

Canadian head coach Stephen Hart had a full squad of 18 players on the eve of the first international match of the 2012 season. Hart kept the team in session for 45 minutes at the training pitch in Parekklisia, Cyprus on 28 February, the eve of Canada’s first-ever meeting with European opponent Armenia. The session was played in full despite the on-and-off downpour of rain and hail.

Canada’s first session in Cyprus was Monday 27 February, with 14 players arrived from their professional clubs in Europe. The last four players arrived on Monday night and were in session on Tuesday morning.

“Every game we should be going in expecting to win,” said Tosaint Ricketts after the Tuesday session. “Every game matters. Everyone here wants to win and get on the right track for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.” 

Canada’s 29 February international match falls on the first FIFA International Date of the 2012 calendar season. It will kick off a busy summer for Canada, which continues with a special centennial match against USA on 3 June and then six FIFA World Cup Qualifiers from 8 June to 16 October. Canada faces Cuba, Honduras and Panama in CONCACAF Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. It must finish either first or second in its group (after six matches) to advance to the CONCACAF Final Round in 2013.

Fans will be able to track the progress of the Canadian team in Cyprus via CanadaSoccer.com, as well as social media platforms on Twitter @CanadaSoccerEN, Facebook, Flickr and CanadaSoccerTV.

More than a place just for lounging in the sun, there’s lots of things happening in Cyprus all the year round. From cultural performance with big name stars, sports events to participate in or watch, to informative conferences where you can meet like minds. You’ll be surprised at what you can enjoy here. Visit the official website of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation for more details.