Jeff Rueter
Who stood out for Canada?
As expected, the man for Canada’s big moment was patrolling their left flank. It just wasn’t Alphonso Davies.
Jesse Marsch has opted to deploy the 23-year-old face of the program at left back, the same role he’s owned for years since moving to FC Bayern Münich. This doesn’t just ease the pressure on Davies — it brings more of the program’s best players (that is, the wide attackers) into the lineup to offer a more proactive approach.
Little has come easy in Jacob Shaffelburg’s career. The man lovingly known as the ‘Maritime Messi’ came up in Nova Scotia and later through Toronto FC’s academy. While most clubs would relish a homegrown attacking option and want them to stick around, Toronto’s commitment to lavish spending in attacking roles made Shaffelburg expendable – traded within MLS’s Eastern Conference to Nashville SC.
Strong form for an otherwise struggling Nashville side helped him land a spot on this tournament’s roster. So, too, did a crucial goal in Copa América qualifying against Trinidad & Tobago, suggesting a player known for his hustle had a bit of big-game finishing about him. That came in handy again on Friday, as Shaffelburg was the only Canadian player to cash in on a bounty of chances in the first half.
Shaffelburg operates in a sweet spot for Marsch’s still-nascent system. Right-sided defenders will still fear Davies’ every involvement more than Shaffelburg’s, while back-line anchors will stay central to neutralize Jonathan David and Cyle Larin rather than shift focus to the greasy mullet cutting into the half-space. A cool first-touch finish was a just reward for one of North America’s most industrious players.
Jeff Rueter
How did Venezuela find the equalizer?
Venezuela came out in the second half knowing it needed to be more aggressive in its attack if it wanted to stand a chance at defeating a strong Canadian side that is known for its backline. Yeferson Soteldo and Jose Martinez dominated the flanks for Venezuela, persistently penetrating Canada’s defensive end, and the pressure mounted.
But it was Venezuela’s captain Salomon Rondon who gave his team the much-needed relief in the 64th minute. With goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau off his line, Rondon took full advantage and floated a ball over the keeper’s head into the back of an open net. The equalizer was a key moment for Venezuela, bringing the mostly Venezuelan crowd on their feet. The stadium roared. La Vinotinto was back in this game, and their historic run continued.
Venezuela kept up with this pace, dominating on their attacking third, but just like the rest of this match, this was a mostly even-sided battle between two countries with everything to prove. As the game clock dwindled, a frantic Fernando Batista directed his players as Canada slowly regained its composure.
La Vinotinto’s fairy tale run has come to an end, as their dreams of clinching their nation’s first-ever Copa America title comes to a screeching halt. The nation’s run in the tournament has been nothing short of historic, bringing joy to a nation that has suffered so much in recent years. Venezuela and Ecuador remain the lone Conmebol nations that have yet to win South America’s grand prize. For a nation that is not known for its football, this is a promising milestone for a nation that will now look towards clinching a qualification to a World Cup for a first time.
Melanie Anzidei
Jacob Shaffelburg celebrates scoring his team’s first goal, honoring Tajon Buchanan. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU, Getty Images)What happened to Tajon Buchanan and how did Canada honor him?
In a training session on Tuesday, Canada suffered the kind of blow that would derail many teams: star winger Tajon Buchanan, Canada’s best player at the 2022 World Cup and a new signing for Inter Milan, broke his tibia. Canada cancelled the session after the incident as Buchanan made his way to the hospital.
As the extent of the injury was revealed and it became clear Buchanan would not only miss the rest of the tournament but 4-6 months, the mood changed for Canada. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, the Canadian team clearly rallied around their teammate.
They visited him at the hospital after his surgery. They gathered outside the team hotel to welcome him back with applause. And when Shaffelburg scored Canada’s opener, the soccer world learned just how much he resonated within the team. Shaffelburg ran to the Canada bench and held up a Buchanan jersey for the 51080 in attendance to see.
There were questions about how Canada would do without one of their better attacking players in Buchanan. But the intangible emotions his loss has stirred up seem to be propelling Canada.
Josh Kloke
What does the result mean for Canada?
For years, this Canadian team has been one of promise. Their players were young but ridiculously talented. They played in Europe and seemed capable of greatness outside of the region. Wins in World Cup qualifying over Mexico and the United States gave hope, but in seemingly every crucial tournament game, knockout round or group stage, Canada faltered. They never learned how to manage the moment.
Yet against an overwhelmingly pro-Venezuela crowd and a team that won their own group, Canada now have a signature win.
Winning a knockout round game in a major tournament shows this core is capable of considering themselves among the next echelon of teams. They managed emotions, locked down the game defensively and showed their quality when they needed to. Even if Venezuela didn’t make the most of their chances, Canada didn’t beat themselves either.
With the win Canada have, quite simply, become the kind of team they’ve long aspired to be.
Josh Kloke
What’s next for Canada?
A Group Stage rematch. A chance for redemption.
Argentina vs Canada, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Tuesday July 9, 8 p.m. ET.
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(Top photo: Getty Images)
Source link : https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5619544/2024/07/05/canada-venezuela-copa-america-penalty-shootout/
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Publish date : 2024-07-05 23:24:21
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