3️⃣ Things We Learned While Historic Canada Destroyed Venezuelan Dreams

Canada secured a place in the Copa América semi-finals against Argentina after defeating Venezuela on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Here’s what we learned from the drama.

The historic Canadian brotherhood stands out

What a time to be alive for Canadian men’s soccer fans. After years off the international stage and a glimpse of what could happen during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, perhaps Canada has finally arrived?

Not only are the Canucks making their Copa América debut, but they are also under new head coach Jesse Marsch, who was hired just weeks before the tournament. He’s only been around for six games, but he’s taken this brotherhood to a new level.

After four Copa América games against soccer giants including Venezuela, Chile and Argentina, we saw a fluid, purposeful and, most importantly, confident Canadian team under Marsch.

Jacob Shaffelburg has rightfully earned his place in the starting lineup, while goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau remains the team’s key member. Despite suffering a shock (more on that later), the Portland Timbers star made a decisive save on penalties to allow Ismael Kone to seal the victory over Venezuela.

Internally speaking, they also came together to support winger Tajon Buchanan, who broke his leg during training this week.

The Canadian brotherhood will no doubt celebrate late into the night after making more history. Comparatively, their rivals, the United States and Mexico, were eliminated from the tournament in the group stage, which makes things even sweeter.

There is no ‘I’ in team. And this Canadian side is the epitome of believing in each other when the odds are stacked against you.

Class is permanent for Rondon

There were some stars in this tournament and we are here to remind you that Salomon Rondon should be on the list.

With more than 100 caps for Venezuela and most for his country in this tournament, he showed that class is permanent during his performance against Canada.

The captain’s awareness in looking up and hitting Maxime Crepeau from 39 yards out was a true testament to his veteran experience against the best. His penalty was also taken with expertise.

The draw meant he was eliminated from the tournament with goals against Canada, Mexico and Jamaica as well as assists against Ecuador.

At 34, he could be nearing the end of his international career. If this were his last performance for Venezuela, it would certainly be more than memorable for the CF Pachuca star.

Plan provided for exciting semi-final

Argentina and Canada met in the opener of the 2024 Copa América, and it was touted as the biggest test for the Canucks to date. Fast forward and they are about to meet again, with even more at stake for both countries.

The World Cup winners and reigning Copa América champions won the tournament opener 2-0 after being held scoreless in the first 45 minutes by a resolute Canadian side.

This time, Lionel Messi and company have a plan to rely on, hoping they won’t get frustrated again. Argentina know that Canada should not be ignored despite their limited glory on the international stage, and we can expect coach Lionel Scaloni to make some small adjustments.

But the same can be said of Canada. Marsch and his team know exactly what to expect, having actually gone toe-to-toe with the number one team in the world just a week ago. The next one is to score against the best team in the world. An Emi Martinez will be hard to beat.

If the tournament opener has taught us anything, it’s that fans can expect fireworks once again as a place in the final hangs in the balance.

Will Canada write the story of the underdog of the year or will Argentina do what it does best and take one step closer to another title?