Its been 28 years since Canada last qualified in mens soccer at the Olympics and all it will take to snap that streak is a monumental effort against one of the sports giants. Cheap NFL Jerseys Deals . Still, under-23 coach Tony Fonseca likes his teams chances. Canada takes on heavily-favoured Mexico in semifinal play Saturday at the CONCACAF qualifying tournament in Kansas City, Kansas, with a berth in London on the line. A win against Mexico would propel the Canadian mens team to the Olympics for the first time since the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. But it wont be easy against a fierce Mexican opponent that finished atop its group with a three wins and a plus-10 goal difference. "We are very aware the huge mountain ahead of us but as far as Im concerned, its a 50-50 chance. Its like playing the lottery, youre in it to win it," Fonseca said on a conference call Friday. "We know how important this is for the program, the players, for the country -- we know our responsibilities and were going to try our best." Open to players born in 1989 or later, many didnt expect the Canadian to advance past the tournaments group stage. But a 0-0 tie against El Salvador, a shock 2-0 win over the U.S. and a 1-1 draw with Cuba meant Canada finished second in its group and booked a place in the semifinals. Fonseca says hes been happy with how his young squad, which includes two 17 year olds, has responded to the adversity thats been thrown its way. He expects nothing different against Mexico. "Ultimately its up to the players to play the game and to show the desire and the passion and the fighting spirit this team has shown -- something that has been away for a while in some Canadian football and thats what we are trying to bring back," he said. "That spirit that youre not going to bend -- you might break -- but youre not going to bend. "The most positive aspect of this group has been the will to fight, the will to play for their country and represent it well." El Salvador takes on Honduras in the other semi after winning Canadas group with a stunning 3-3 tie against the U.S. that sent the Americans packing. The Canadians were disappointed with the late Cuban goal in Mondays 1-1 tie that ultimately cost them top spot in the group, and a much easier semifinal opponent in Honduras. However, Fonseca says the players have recovered and are well rested after playing three games in five days. "Everybody thinks Cuba was an easy team to beat. I dont think that way. I think we managed the game for large periods of time very well," he said. "Just a lack of concentration in the dying minutes of the game that led to a tie but I thought we actually played well." For Canada to have any chance against Mexico, its defence will have to control strikers Alan Pulido and Marco Fabian, who have combined for seven goals in three games. Fonseca was coy with the media on how he plans to line up against the Mexicans, but added his players are aware of the threat. Although Mexico is heavily favoured to advance, Canada has had some success against Saturdays opponent in recent international tournaments. Captain Nana Attakora was part of the team that beat Mexico 2-0 at the 2009 CONCACAF under-20 championship, while Canada also tied the Mexicans 1-1 in the 2008 Olympic qualifying tournament. Despite those results, Fonseca only wants his players looking forward. "We dont focus too much on the past. The past belongs to the museums. Its about the present," he said. "Its about what we should be doing and what we can do in order to win the game." Notes: Canada won gold in mens soccer at the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis. ... The Canadian womens team has already qualified for the London Games. ... Toronto FC defender Ashton Morgan has been in contact with teammates Doneil Henry and Matt Stinson, who are part of the Canadian squad. Canada wanted to include Morgan on its roster but couldnt secure his release from Toronto. "I talk to them every day," Morgan said after Toronto FC practice on Friday. "Theyre excited. They cant wait to get started. Once again, theyre going to leave it on the field. Its one last game to qualify for the Olympics." jerseys from china . Robin van Persie put United ahead in the 26th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Wayne Rooney had a shot blocked. But Southampton, one of the surprises of the league this season, troubled United throughout and claimed a deserved point when Lovren bundled in a corner from James Ward-Prowse in the 89th. Michael kors Handbags Black Friday Deals . Sharapova, currently second in the world rankings, was not in Fridays draw for the China Open beginning Saturday in Beijing. http://www.nflcheapjerseywhole... . Yep, one of the NFLs chattiest teams went silent and got to work. No cameras. No fans. No reporters. 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