CATHERINE HALL, St James — Canada will be desperate for a win today when they meet El Salvador in the first game of the CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Group B triple header at the Montego Bay Sports Complex starting at 3:00 pm.

After losing 0-2 to group leaders Mexico in their second game on Monday, Canada slipped to third on three points behind Mexico’s six and Honduras’ four points.

While the winners of each zone (including Group A being played in Kingston) will automatically qualify for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand, the second- and third-placed finishers will face a play-off to decide the next two qualifiers.

Mexico are expected to beat Honduras in the second game, a top-of-the-group clash at 5:30 pm, while Haiti should get full points from Cuba, thus forcing Canada to get the better of an improving El Salvador unit.

After being held in check by a tactical Mexico on Monday, Canada’s Jordan Hamilton could explode against a suspect El Salvador defence that has given up three goals so far.

Hamilton scored two of Canada’s three goals in their win over Haiti on Saturday, and the pace of Michael Petrasso and the dribbling skills of Marco Bustos will cause problems for the El Salvador team.

Jose Alfredo Villavicencio has scored in both games for El Salvador and will be their go to player, while Juan Barahona and Andres Flores are also dangerous if given the space in which to work.

Nolan Wirth, who took over between the sticks for Canada against Mexico, had an outstanding game, making a series of brilliant saves and if he is used by coach Rob Gale, could stabilise the Canada back line.

Mexico used the same starting team in both games played so far and could opt to keep the winning formula, but their squad appears deep and coach Almaguer Trevino could make changes to keep his players fresh, especially as they have played both games so far in the mid-afternoon heat.

Hirving Lozana with three goals and Alejandro Diaz and Guillermo Martinez with two each are the most potent strike force in the competition so far and if they are unleashed against Honduras could create problems.

Honduras’ win over Cuba on Monday could give them some confidence of getting a positive result against the Mexicans, but Alberth Elis, who has scored twice, John Suazo and Jhow Benavidez will have to lead from the front against a Mexican defence that has allowed just one goal, early in the game against Cuba.

Haiti have been unlucky so far and the hapless Cubans might be the best medicine for them if they are to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the play-offs alive.

Haiti’s coach Jerome Velvert had made four changes from the team that lost to Canada and the one that drew with El Salvador, so it is anybody’s guess which 11 will take the field.

Jonel Desire with two goals to his credit so far is almost a sure pick along with Marckendel Paul, while Alessandro Campoy could retain his starting place.

Cuba’s starting goalkeeper Elier Pozo limped off against Honduras on Monday and if he is not able to go today, that could push them even further back against a swarming Haitian team.

Canada’s goalkeeper Noland Wirth collects the ball during the Group B game against Mexico on Monday. He had a good game and could be called on against El Salvador at the Montego Bay Sports Complex today.

(PHOTO: PAUL REID)