Canada hold nerve in penalty shootout to set up Copa América semi-final with Argentina
Canada achieved a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout against Venezuela on Friday to advance to the semi-finals of the Copa América for the first time. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after an exciting match.
After both teams were tied following five attempts each, Wilker Ángel's penalty kick was stopped by Maxime Crépeau in the shootout. Ismaël Koné then scored the decisive penalty to secure Canada's advancement.
"This is incredible, we will be competing in the semi-finals of the Copa América," Crépeau expressed to Fox Sports post-game. "I believe it's important for everyone to recognize the admiration this country and these soccer players have earned. People tend to underestimate Canadians, but here we are, in the semi-finals."
Canada will go up against the current title holders Argentina in New Jersey on Tuesday for an opportunity to compete in the final on 14 July. The semi-final will be a repeat of the first game of the tournament, where the reigning champions Argentina secured a 2-0 victory. Les Rouges are the fourth team from Concacaf to make it to the semi-finals of the Copa América, joining Mexico, Honduras, and the United States.
Canada, who only managed to score one goal in their first three group stage games, started the match with an unusual sense of urgency. This paid off when Jacob Shaffelburg scored in the 13th minute after a pass from Jonathan David. Shaffelburg celebrated by holding up Tajon Buchanan's No 17 jersey, in honor of his teammate who unfortunately broke his leg in practice earlier in the week.
In the first half, Jesse Marsch's team missed out on several opportunities to increase their lead. Shaffelburg took a shot from outside the box that goalkeeper Rafael Romo managed to save, while David missed a chance to score after finding himself one-on-one with the goal but sent his shot wide of the post.
Venezuela tried hard to score a goal and had more time controlling the ball, but mostly relied on hopeful crosses and long shots. Their top scorer, Salomón Rondón, had two shots saved by Crépeau.
In the 52nd minute of the match, Canadian player Cyle Larin missed the goal from a short distance by shooting the ball over the bar. Just two minutes later, a rebound landed at the feet of Venezuelan player José Martínez in the penalty area, but his shot also went over the bar.
Venezuela managed to score an equalizer in the 64th minute thanks to Rondón. He noticed Crépeau out of position and skillfully chipped the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net. This was Rondón's 44th goal for Venezuela, showing his experience playing for teams like Everton and Newcastle United.
Canada reacted effectively to the equalizer, with substitute Liam Millar attempting a shot from a difficult angle in the 67th minute. Tani Oluwaseyi also had two opportunities to score within four minutes, but both shots went over the crossbar. Despite both teams trying to secure a victory, the match ended in a draw and had to be decided by penalties.
