An American is headed to the Copa America semifinals, but he’s not playing for the U.S. men’s national team. He’s coaching Canada.
In what was one of the most memorable matches of the tournament so far, Canada and Venezuela battled for 90 minutes and a penalty shootout for the privilege of qualifying for the Copa America. In the end, it was Jesse Marsch’s Canadian team that came out on top.
Canada struck first with a first-half goal from “Maritime Messi” Jacob Shaffelburg, but veteran Venezuela captain Salomón Rondón took advantage of goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau outside the box and scored from long range to equalize in the 64th minute.
The two teams traded shots throughout the match, which led to a shootout where Canada won after six rounds thanks to a late goal by Ismael Koné. The prize? A trip to New Jersey on Tuesday for a semifinal rematch against defending champion Argentina, which appeared to falter in its own shootout victory.
Josh Kloke, Melanie Anzidei and Jeff Rueter explain how it happened.
How did Canada win on penalties?
An early goal for Canada. A long-range lob for Venezuela to equalize. A fierce battle for 90 minutes. A laser. And a calm, serene and collected end to the match.
The Canadian national team showed something that is all too familiar in North America on Friday: grit. It’s an intangible quality historically found in the U.S. national team. But after the Americans were eliminated in the group stage, it was Canada that stepped up to fill the void.
Canada beats Venezuela on penalties to reach Copa America semifinals. (Photo by Sam Hodde, Getty Images)
In nature, few things are as dazzling as perfect symmetry. Unfortunately, few things in the sport of football are less natural than a penalty shootout. A match whose outcome often hinges on moments of transition turns into a series of independent events.
Despite this, Venezuela and Canada treated us to a strangely symmetrical penalty shootout. Each team’s first shooter got his shot off. Their second team both missed. The third shooter was on target again, before the fourth was unlucky to have his attempts on target saved by the keeper. When the fifth shooters found the top corner, it was a balance that even Wes Anderson would have admired.
Of course, all bets are off when players who aren’t among a team’s first five picks are forced onto the field. Both teams opted for a late substitute to take their sixth option — a rare opportunity for each coach to have a direct impact on the game in progress. While Wilker Angel had his shot saved by a redeemed Crépeau, Ismaël Koné slotted home his penalty to send Canada into the Copa América semifinals.
Just a few months ago, Canada seemed in danger of losing all the momentum it had built up during this magical 2022 World Cup cycle. The team was without a head coach and players were frustrated by the stagnation. Today, Marsch points to not only the dogged determination that characterized the John Herdman era, but also more consistent chance creation and a more defined team configuration that could, over time, create a more reliable threat to the competition.
Jeff Rueter
Who stood out for Canada?
As expected, the man who would score the most for Canada was on the left flank. It just wasn’t Alphonso Davies.
Jesse Marsch has chosen to deploy the 23-year-old, a fixture in the program, at left back, the same role he has played for years since joining FC Bayern Munich. That not only takes the pressure off Davies; it also allows for more of the program’s best players (i.e., the wing-forwards) to be integrated into the lineup to provide a more proactive approach.
Jacob Shaffelburg’s career hasn’t been easy. The one affectionately known as the “Maritime Messi” grew up in Nova Scotia and then in Toronto FC’s academy. While most clubs would appreciate a homegrown attacking option and want to keep him, Toronto’s commitment to spending heavily on attacking roles has made Shaffelburg redundant – traded within the MLS Eastern Conference to Nashville SC.
A run of form with a struggling Nashville side earned him a spot on the roster for this tournament. So did a crucial goal in the Copa America qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago, suggesting a player known for his dynamism had a knack for finishing in big games. It came in handy again Friday, as Shaffelburg was the only Canadian to capitalize on a flurry of opportunities in the first half.
Shaffelburg plays in an ideal position for Marsch’s nascent system. The right-sided defenders will always fear Davies’ involvement more than Shaffelburg’s, while the backline’s mainstays will stay central to neutralise Jonathan David and Cyle Larin rather than focus on cutting the mullet in the half-space. A cool first-touch finish was a fitting reward for one of North America’s most industrious players.
Jeff Rueter
How did Venezuela find the equalizer?
Venezuela entered the second half knowing they had to be more aggressive in attack if they were to have any chance of beating a strong Canadian team known for its defense. Yeferson Soteldo and José Martinez dominated Venezuela’s flanks, constantly penetrating the Canadian defense, and the pressure intensified.
But it was Venezuelan captain Salomon Rondon who gave his team the relief they sorely needed in the 64th minute. With goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau off his line, Rondon took advantage to send the ball over the keeper’s head and into an empty net. The equalizer was a key moment for Venezuela, bringing the crowd, mostly Venezuelan, to their feet. The stadium roared. La Vinotinto was back in this game, and its historic streak continued.
Venezuela kept up the pace, dominating their attacking third, but like the rest of the game, it was a battle of equals between two countries that had everything to prove. As the clock ticked down, a frantic Fernando Batista directed his players while Canada gradually regained their composure.
The Vinotinto fairy tale is coming to an end as their dreams of winning their first ever Copa América come to a sudden halt. The nation’s run in the tournament is nothing short of historic, bringing joy to a nation that has suffered so much in recent years. Venezuela and Ecuador remain the only Conmebol nations yet to win the South American grand prize. For a nation not known for its football, this is a promising milestone for a nation that will now seek to secure World Cup qualification for the first time.
Melanie Anzidei
Jacob Shaffelburg celebrates 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?
During a practice session Tuesday, Canada suffered the kind of blow that would have derailed many teams: star winger Tajon Buchanan, Canada’s top player at the 2022 World Cup and a new signing from Inter Milan, broke his tibia. Canada cancelled the practice after the incident while Buchanan was taken to hospital.
When the extent of the injury was revealed and it became clear that Buchanan would not only miss the remainder of the tournament, but 4-6 months, Canada’s mood changed. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, the Canadian team clearly rallied around their teammate.
They visited him in the hospital after his surgery. They gathered outside the team hotel to greet him back with applause. And when Shaffelburg scored Canada’s first goal, the soccer world learned just how much he resonated with the team. Shaffelburg ran to the Canada bench and held up a Buchanan jersey for the 51,080 people in attendance to see.
There was some question about how Canada would fare without one of its best offensive players, Buchanan. But the intangible emotions of his loss seem to be propelling Canada forward.
Josh Kloke
What does this result mean for Canada?
For years, this Canadian team held promise. Its players were young but incredibly talented. They played in Europe and looked capable of shining outside the region. World Cup qualifying victories over Mexico and the United States gave hope, but in every crucial match of the tournament, round of 16 or group stage, Canada faltered. They never learned to manage the moment.
But facing a largely pro-Venezuela crowd and a team that won its own group, Canada now has a decisive victory.
By winning a knockout match in a major tournament, this core is able to consider itself a top team. They were able to manage their emotions, control the game defensively and show their quality when it mattered. Even if Venezuela failed to make the most of its chances, Canada did not let itself be defeated either.
With this victory, Canada has simply become the kind of team he has long aspired to be.
Josh Kloke
What’s next for Canada?
A rematch in the group stage. 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)
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