Peru’s Miguel Araujo was sent off for this challenge on Jacob Shaffelburg (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
And when exhaustion set in, Canada became remarkably clinical.
Credit on that front must go to David. After three games under Marsch, Canada had yet to score a goal. Questions about their finishing ability, or lack thereof, were justified. Would an improved tactical setup matter if the goals couldn’t support the process?
Even as the pressure rose around Canada, and around the player himself, with talk of an impending move to the Premier League swirling, the first goal for Jesse Marsch’s Canada had to come from David.
Who else, after all, but the ultra-cool player long known as the ‘Iceman’ for Canada? Who else but the most clinical finisher in the history of the men’s team? Who else but a player whose inability to get flustered in the moment has caused Marsch great joy, repeatedly, in Canada camp this week?
In a game when Canada desperately needed composure, it was their most composed player who was the difference.
Now, the moment will get even more daunting for Canada. They have every right to feel confident heading into their final group-stage game against Chile. Just a draw means they are through to the quarterfinal but in desperate need of a win to advance, two-time Copa America winners Chile will throw everything at them.
Canada’s win over Peru gives them a blueprint to success that they never had previously. With an increased sense of maturity from new captain Davies helping lead the way, Canada should now be able to understand the value of composure and maturity in tournament play.
They have the result that proves their process is beginning to work. Canada no longer have to ride the tide of emotion alone to prove themselves. The tide may be turning for good.
(Top photo: Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Source link : https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5592110/2024/06/26/canada-copa-america-peru-david/
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Publish date : 2024-06-26 07:00:28
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