TORONTO – Canada’s friendly against Peru signifies a number of firsts.
- the first encounter between the two countries
- the first for Canada since the end of the 2010 World Cup
- the first in Toronto since the fateful semifinal round World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on Aug. 20, 2008.
By the time the teams take to the pitch Saturday afternoon at BMO Field, another first could be set.
If he appears, captain Paul Stalteri will tie Randy Samuel’s record of 82 national-team caps and can then set the new record if he faces Honduras on Sept. 7 in Montreal.
“It’s something very special,” said the Toronto native. “Randy was a fantastic player for Canada, he represented the country in the World Cup [in 1986]. It’s a big moment to look back in your career. It’s a sign of dedication and loyalty to the country and means you’ve made yourself available for the games so obviously it’s something very proud for me.”
The Borussia Mönchengladbach defender has been a linchpin of the national team since his senior debut at the age of 19 in a 1997 friendly vs. Iran. Since then, he has seen a cavalcade of coaches: Bob Lenarduzzi, Bruce Twamley, Holger Osieck, Colin Miller, Frank Yallop, Stephen Hart, Dale Mitchell and now again Hart.
During the Osieck era (1999 to 2003), Stalteri played as an attacking midfielder scoring six of his seven career goals and was a member of Canada’s 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup-winning team.
As he established his club career in Europe, he settled into a defender role and has been a steady presence for Canada in the right fullback position.
“Paul has been fantastic in the sense that he’s always answered the call to Canada," Hart said. "At least certainly while I’ve been here, there’s never been any discussion about not coming in. If he does play in both games and sets the record then all credit to him.
"He’s been good for us when he’s in and he accepts the responsibility asked of him. I told him when he was coming in I’m not making any promises that he will be involved in both games and he came in knowing that quite well. He has looked quite sharp actually.”
Stalteri made his pro debut with the Toronto Lynx of the then A-League in 1997 then signed with Werder Bremen of Germany. He scored in his first-team debut on Aug. 12, 2000, making him the first Canadian to score in the Bundesliga, then won the Bundesliga title with the club in 2003-04 to become the first Canadian to win a major league trophy.
His career has also included stops in England with Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC.
Stalteri, who turns 33 next month, would like to continue playing for Canada, but admitted his contract status will be a factor.
“I’ll make myself available as long as I’m fit enough to continue playing football,” said Stalteri. “I think the next six months to a year are an important time. My contract is up in a year, and we’ll see what transpires after that, but that’s obviously an important transition in what will happen if I can continue playing. After that then we’ll just see how fit I am.”
