Canada clinch 4-3 penalty shootout win over Venezuela to advance to Copa America 2024 semifinals

Marsch’s men advance to face Argentina in the semifinals.

After concluding the group stage as Group B table toppers, dark horse Venezuela locked horns with Group A runners-up Canada in the second quarterfinal of Copa America 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Canada made a brisk start, putting Venezuela into caution mode through positive attacking play in the opening minutes. La Vinotinto reacted positively to their opponent’s aggression, testing the Canadian defense.

Jesse Marsch’s side broke the deadlock as winger Jacob Shaffelburg found the back of the net following a well-executed move, giving them an early 1-0 lead in the 13th minute.

Venezuela upped the ante, pushing hard for the equalizer and consistently creating opportunities to breach the Canadian defense. Canada also produced several quality chances to double their lead through Marsch’s trademark counterattacking style but proved wasteful in front of goal.

With both teams seeking the crucial second goal, the already exciting encounter became a fierce end-to-end contest. A flurry of chances went begging at either end in the first half, resulting in Canada heading into the break with a vital 1-0 lead.

Despite their lead, Canada continued their positive approach at the start of the second half, hoping to secure a second goal and put the game beyond Venezuela’s reach. However, this front-footed attitude soon backfired as Fernando Batista’s side grabbed the equalizer. Captain and star striker Salomón Rondón scored from more than 35 yards out following a fast break, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 64th minute.

With the match evenly poised, both teams sought to regain control in search of a late winner. Despite numerous goal-scoring opportunities throughout the half, neither Venezuela nor Canada could find the breakthrough, ending regulation time at 1-1. This marked the second consecutive quarterfinal fixture to be decided by a penalty shootout.

After scoring and missing alternate penalties in the opening five spot kicks, both Venezuela and Canada were level at 3-3 heading into sudden death. La Vinotinto succumbed first as Wilker Ángel’s penalty was saved by Maxime Crépeau, followed by Ismaël Koné converting his penalty. Canada emerged victorious in the shootout with a 4-3 scoreline.

Jesse Marsch’s Canada held their nerve to secure a thrilling win and advance to the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America, where they will face defending champions Argentina.

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