Beyond POV-FS - Caught in Two Minds – the Joys and Consternations of Julio Cesar Representing Toronto FC at the World Cup

    Post about the ramification of Toronto FC being represented at this summer’s World Cup – it’s amazing, but tinged with a hint of desperation.

    Check it out

Got it; got it; need it; got it; need it…The Economics of Panini Stickers

    The Economist dug into the secrets behind the much-beloved World Cup albums in their series, The Economist Explains.

    In an effort to rekindle the joy of youth, I myself have been indulging a little bit of packet opening – it is quite fun, after all.

    Fans lucky enough to attend Toronto FC’s last match prior to the World Cup break would have been able to get their hands on a free edition of the album – the packs however, will cost you.

    It is available in podcast, or written form, here.

    Expensive stuff – needless to say, most albums will be left sadly unfinished; happy hunting!

Head-to-head: Canada vs. Honduras – All-time Results

    Mere hours remain until kickoff to the match that will decide whether Canada progresses to the next round of CONCACAF qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Cuban News Rounds

    In preparation for tomorrow evening’s match between Canada and Cuba, POV-FS fired up the Google machine and the old-reliable translate function to dig a little deeper behind the upcoming opposition.

    Information was scarce, with Cuba already eliminated and the nation’s sporting attentions more internally focused on Baseball, Boxing, and most-interestingly, Chess, but there were a few tidbits of information that may be of interest to the anorak-enthusiasts out there.

Head-to-Head: Canada vs. Cuba – All-time Results

    Canada and Cuba take to the pitch on Friday evening in the first of two matches that will determine whether Canada will move on to the final phase of qualification: The Hex.

    Cuba, with zero points, has already been eliminated, but don’t let that cloud the fact that they have been much tougher opposition than would have been expected.

    National Team coach Stephen Hart has reiterated the importance of not looking beyond this first match to Tuesday’s meeting with Honduras.

    The full Men’s sides of Canada and Cuba have met ten times previously. Here’s a rundown of past results:

First Person View – The Canada Lineup

    A few thoughts on what I’d like to see from Canada to complete the barrage of posts prior to kick off.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Panama (Home Edition) at Waking the Red

    Preview of tonight’s match at BMO Field between Canada and Panama is up over at Waking the Red.

Panamanian News Rounds

    Again leaving it rather late, but here’s a brief rundown of some news snippets from the Panamanian press.

Head-to-Head: Canada vs. Panama – All-time Results

    Canada and Panama will take to the pitch twice over the coming seven days in the latest fixtures of the third round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualification.

    Somewhat curiously the two have only met on six previous occasions. Perhaps even more surprising, Canada is undefeated against the Panamanians, tallying two wins and four draws.

    Here’s a rundown of those meetings:

Canadian MLS Contingent – Weekend Review

A brief look at the recent form of the nine MLS players called into the Canadian National team.

First Person View - Cuban News Rounds

    The Canadian National Team is in Cuba to embark on the next round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualification. This is only the first step of many, but an important, if not vital, chance at road points that could prove crucial to progression.