Canadian coach John Herdman sees an opportunity in tough stretch of World Cup qualifying matches

John Herdman has never shrieked in the face of a challenge during his time as coach of both the Canadian women's and men's soccer teams. His tenure in charge of both programs is defined by his ability to keep his cool, even under the most adverse circumstances.

Herdman's managerial acumen and reputation as a problem solver will face the ultimate test this month when the men's side resumes its World Cup qualifying campaign after a successful start in September. Canada opened its account in the final stage of the CONCACAF qualifiers with a pair of draws against the United States and Honduras, before earning a comprehensive 3-0 home win over El Salvador.

With five points, Canada sits in a three-way tie for second place with the U.S., and Panama. Mexico tops the group with seven points (two wins and a draw). The top three teams in the eight-nation field at the end of the marathon 14-match group stage, which runs until next March, automatically qualify for the World Cup. The Canadians are off to a good start, but things are about to get a whole lot more serious.

Canada is scheduled to play three games in a seven day period, including a road trip to Jamaica (Oct. 10) and home date against Panama in Toronto (Oct. 13). But sandwiched between those two days is a visit to Mexico City's Estadio Azteca on Thursday night for a showdown against CONCACAF top dogs Mexico in what is the biggest game in years for the Canadian team.

Estadio Azteca hasn't been very kind to Canada over the years, as the team has never won at the venerable stadium that staged the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup finals. Several heavy losses have been suffered there by the Canadians at the hands of the merciless Mexicans, including an 8-0 drubbing in 1993.

So on paper, it would appear that Canada, No. 51 in the current FIFA world rankings, has some work to do against ninth-ranked Mexico. But this is not the same Canadian side that the CONCACAF heavyweights have long used as a punching bag.

Canada has been on the upswing ever since Herdman took over the coaching reins three years ago, and has emerged as one of CONCACAF's up-and-coming nations. More Canadian players than ever before are playing for top clubs in Europe — most notably Alphonso Davies with German giants Bayern Munich. Closer to home, a deep crop of national team members have established themselves amongst the best players in MLS at their positions, including Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Samuel Piette (CF Montreal) and Mark-Anthony Kaye (Colorado Rapids).