Canada
advanced to the
Copa America
semifinals as the debutants extended their historic run in a thrilling win over
Venezuela
in the quarterfinals that went to penalties after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Canadians won 4-3 in a penalty shootout that was evenly matched, with both teams converting their first five attempts. However, in the sixth round, Venezuela's Wilker Angel had his penalty saved by Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
This set the stage for Ismael Kone, who stepped up and confidently scored the winning penalty to send Canada into the last-four stage.
Canada will face world champions Argentina in the semifinals on Tuesday in New Jersey, with the winner advancing to the July 14 final. The match will be a rematch of the tournament opener, which saw Argentina secure a 2-0 victory.
Canada became the fourth CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semifinals, following in the footsteps of Mexico, Honduras and the United States.
Despite scoring only one goal in their three group-stage matches, Canada started the match against Venezuela with unexpected intensity, and their efforts were rewarded in the 13th minute when Jacob Shaffelburg converted a cross from Jonathan David.
After scoring, Shaffelburg held up the jersey of teammate Tajon Buchanan, who suffered a broken leg in training this week.
Jesse Marsch's team squandered several opportunities to increase their lead in the first half, with Shaffelburg testing goalkeeper Rafael Romo from the edge of the area and David sending an effort wide of the post after finding himself through one-on-one.
Venezuela pushed for a goal and enjoyed more possession but were mostly restricted to speculative crosses and long-range shots, with all-time leading goal-scorer Salomon Rondon twice forcing saves from Crepeau.
In the second half, Canada's Cyle Larin fired over the bar from close range in the 52nd minute, while Venezuela's Jose Martinez sent a rebound high over the bar two minutes later.
Venezuela finally equalized in the 64th minute through Rondon, who spotted Canada's Crepeau off his line and produced an audacious lob that sailed over the scrambling goalkeeper into the empty net. It was the former Everton and Newcastle United striker's 44th goal for Venezuela.
Canada responded well to the equalizer, with substitute Liam Millar having an effort from a tight angle saved in the 67th minute and Tani Oluwaseyi sending two shots over the crossbar in the span of four minutes. However, neither side managed to find the winner in regulation time.
English (US) ·