GOLD CUP FINAL: CANADIANS CRASH PARTY AT COLISEUM.

Byline: Fred J. Robledo Staff Writer

Canada, ranked 85th in the world by FIFA, will try to finish its incredible run when it meets South American finalist Colombia in the Gold Cup championship today at the Coliseum beginning at noon, with only a few thousand fans expected to attend.

Canada, guaranteed a spot in the next FIFA Confederations Cup as the champion of the North, Central America and Carribean region, earned a berth in the final after opening group play with back-to-back draws, then winning a coin flip over South Korea to reach the quarterfinals.

Canada then went on to defeat three-time Gold Cup champion Mexico in the quarterfinals, before defeating Trinidad & Tobago 1-0 Thursday to advance to the championship.

Goalkeeper Craig Forrest, named to the Gold Cup ``Best 11'' team Friday, has been Canada's most dominant figure. Canadian defender Jason DeVos and striker Carlos Corrazin were also named to the Gold Cup all-tournament team.

The Colombians, having had their share of disappointment in recent years, advanced to the championship by defeating the United States in penalty kicks and Peru 2-1 in the semifinals Wednesday.

Colombian midfielder Jorge Bolanos will miss the final after collecting his second yellow card against Peru. Defender Carlos Fernando Asprilla left the team to join his club team back home. He will be replaced by Manuel Alexander Fernandez.