Canada progressed into the semi-finals of the Copa America following a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Venezuela in Arlington, Dallas.
Jesse Marsch’s side, who are making their debut in the competition, reached the last four as goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau saved two penalties, and Ismael Kone, the former Watford and current Marseille midfielder, slotted home to book the Reds into the last four.
Left winger Jacob Shaffelburg opened the scoring on 13 minutes as he beat Rafael Romo, before Salomon Rondon, the former West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United striker, equalised in the second half with 64 minutes played, as he caught Crepeau in no-man’s land from over 35 yards out with a dipping half-volley that looped over the Canadian goalkeeper’s head and into the net.
Nothing could split the sides after 90 minutes, with the game going straight to penalties because the Copa America does not use extra time.
Rondon continued his scoring streak by netting the first penalty, and he was followed swiftly by Canada’s talisman, Jonathan David, who slotted home into the top-right corner.
Yangel Herrera, the Girona midfielder, missed Venezuela’s second as he hit the post, but he was immediately reprieved by Liam Millar, who blazed his spot-kick over the crossbar.
Tomas Rincon got the scoring back on track before Moise Bombito levelled for the Canadians, and Crepeau gave Marsch’s men the advantage as he saved well from Jefferson Savarino.
The drama was not over as Stephen Eustaquio stepped up and saw his effort saved by Romo, before Famalicao striker Jhonder Cadiz eked the Venezuelans’ noses in front once more.
Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies levelled proceedings for Canada, before Crepeau saved from Wilker Angel to give the Reds match point, which Kone converted by sliding the ball into the bottom left corner.
“This is amazing, [we’ll play in] the semi-final of Copa América,” Crepeau told Fox Sports afterwards.
“I think everyone needs to realise the respect this country deserves and these footballers deserve. Everyone says: ‘OK, these Canadians’. Well, these Canadians are in the semi-finals.”
Canada will face Argentina, who they lost 2-0 to in the tournament’s opener, in New Jersey on Tuesday in the last four.
Colombia play Panama this evening, while Brazil face Uruguay in the early hours of Sunday morning.
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Source link : https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/copa-america/2024/canada-semi-final-alphonso-davies-venezuela_sto20015823/story.shtml
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Publish date : 2024-07-06 03:57:00
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