The Canada men’s national soccer team, CANMNT, made history with a knockout stage qualification in a debut Copa América appearance in the United States.
The Canada men’s national team inked their name in soccer history books on June 29 after putting up spirited performances to propel them from the group stage to the quarter finals in their first-ever appearance in 2024 Copa América.
Canada was paired with Argentina, Chile and Peru in Group A of the tournament, opening their historical feat with first game against tournament favourite and giants Argentina on June 20.
Despite daring attacks from Canada, Argentina managed to ward off attacks to stay purposeful throughout the game with a 2-0 win at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.
In their second group stage match, on June 25, Canada made a swift recovery from their previous defeat to record a 1-0 triumph over Peru, bagging three points and a goal. Jonathan David scored the only goal for Canada in the 74th minute at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan.
Canada stayed on track to wrestle for a point against Chile as the final match at the group stage ended goalless at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Fla. on June 29.
After playing three group stage matches, Canada finished second to Argentina in Group A, piling four points on the table, five points below table-toppers Argentina, scoring one goal and conceding two goals.
Canada achieved a historical feat as they extended their tournament odyssey with a quarter final game against Venezuela.
“There is real excitement in Canada about the team and the way we’ve played,” said Canada men’s national team head coach Jesse Marsch, according to Fox Sports.
“That comes with, I think, a real hunger to keep this thing moving forward,” he added.
At AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 5, soccer aficionados, spectators and soccer-loving fans of Copa América globally, were handed a spectacular and unforgettable game filled with end-to-end action, incessant pressing and counter-pressing as Canada drew 1-1 with Venezuela after 90 minutes and added time.
Canada opened the score through Jacob Shaffelburg in the 13th minute after curling home an assist from a run of play, but Venezuela crawled back to level pegging in the 64th minute with José Rondón’s halfway volley. The winner had to be decided via penalty kick with Canada converting 4 penalties to progress.
“We’re hungrier than ever,” said Canada men’s national team captain Alphonso Davies, in an interview with TSN.
Canada booked a semifinal clash with heavyweight and reigning World Cup champions Argentina, but a star-studded Argentina led by global soccer icon Lionel Messi brushed Canada aside with two unanswered goals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on July 9.
Goal bound chances fell on the feet of Canadians but were blown apart, leading to a shattered dream of a final appearance and cup glory. Three golden chances emerged on the field for Canada, but those chances could not land in Argentina’s net.
Despite conceding two goals, Canada chased Argentina with their last breath for a ball possession percentage of 49 while Argentina wrapped up with 51 per cent.
“I think we just lacked efficiency in the final third,” said Marsch, in an interview with Fox Sports.
“Every match we created big chances. I know that they are very disappointed, but I’m very proud of them. We’ve put together some incredible performances,” Marsch added.
Canada could have left the tournament with a third-place finish after taking a 2-1 lead, but Luis Suárez scored in deep stoppage time for Uruguay to even the scores 2-2. The winner had to be decided via spot kick and Uruguay seized the moment with a 4-3 win over Canada.
