Canada created history as they qualified for the Copa America semifinals for the first time after defeating Venezuela in a thrilling penalty shootout at AT&T Stadium.
Match Result: Venezuela 1-1 Canada
Penalty Shootout: Venezuela 3-4 Canada
Goalscorers 
- Venezuela: Salomon Rondon (64’)
- Canada: Jacob Shaffelburg (13’)
First Half Analysis
The Venezuela team were tipped to win this match, but Canada began the game on the front foot and took an early lead in the 13th minute. The Venezuela team attempted to counter Canada’s momentum, but Canada succeeded in overcoming Venezuela. Jacob Shaffelburg slipped through the defense perfectly and tipped in a brutal shot into the bottom right corner to give his team the lead going into first-half.
Key Moments
- Jacob Shaffelburg scored early goal from Canada
- Stephen Eustaquio dominated the proceedings for Canada
- Venezuela also made chances but didn’t had any clear cut chance
Second Half Highlights
Despite the fact that Canada started the second half on the front foot, Venezuela were able to equalise in the 64th minute through a powerful counterattack goal scored by Salomon Rondon. Despite Canada’s dominance, they were unable to breach Venezuela’s defenses. It was an intense game for both sides, but neither of them were able to get the win.
Key Moments
- Venezuelan got their equaliser through perfect counter
- Canada came close to finding winner but Venezuela prevailed
- Both teams came close many times
Match Defining Moments
Shaffelburg’s punch:
As soon as Canada started out on the front foot, they got their reward immediately through Jacob Shaffelburg’s goal. In the first half, the Nashville SC winger nearly doubled Canada’s lead as he was on fire and almost scored twice. Venezuela struggled on counters against Shaffelburg.
Stephen Eustaquio’s composure:
All eyes were on Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies from the Canadian squad before the start of Copa America, but Stephen Eustaquio has been the squad’s star, and he did the same against Venezuela. In the match, the FC Porto star dictated the terms in midfield, and Venezuela did not have any chance to run free.
Maxime Crepeau’s brilliance in the shootout:
The penalty shootout is always a lottery, so Canada needed a star, and Maxime Crepeau rose to the occasion. The Canadian goalkeeper made two saves in the shootout, which took his hell to the semifinals for the first time. In addition to the shootout, Crepeau was a game star throughout the match, with some clinical saves.
Implications and Future Prospects
After beating Venezuela, Canada will face Argentina in the semifinals, which promises to be an exciting contest. Despite Canada’s starting position as the underdog, the team may be able to hurt Argentina on counterattacks just like they did against Venezuela.
Despite being out of the tournament now, Venezuela can be proud of their performance during the campaign with a big performance. They missed a golden opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals. They were in better form and could’ve won the game if they had taken advantage of opportunities.
Upcoming Fixtures
Argentina vs. Canada: 10 July 2024 (Parimatch Odds: Argentina to win 1.16x and Canada to win 5.85x)
Conclusion
The Canadian team has made history and will now face defending champions Argentina. They have been superb so far but must be at their best if they want to surprise Argentina. Canada has a very young squad, but they can upset anyone if they play to their potential.
