Jesse Marsch relishing Canada’s Copa America semi-final clash with Argentina
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Ismael Kone (centre) being mobbed by his teammates after the Canada midfielder buried the winning penalty against Venezuela on July 5.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
ARLINGTON – Canada coach Jesse Marsch said his team were relishing the chance to face world champions Argentina in the Copa America semi-finals on July 9 after their shock win over Venezuela.
The Canadians won 4-3 on penalties after their quarter-final at the AT&T Stadium ended 1-1 in regulation time in Arlington, Texas, on July 5.
Now, Marsch’s men, playing in their first Copa America tournament, have a chance to reach the final – if they can upset defending champions Argentina in New Jersey. Both sides faced off in the tournament opener, with Argentina triumphing 2-0.
“We’re going to face the best team in the world in the semi-finals. We’re excited about it. We’re going to have to play the best game we can play against Argentina and even then it may not be enough,” Marsch said.
Canada took the lead in the 13th minute when Jacob Shaffelburg steered home a Jonathan David cross, but wasted several chances to extend their advantage in the first half.
Venezuela pressed for a goal and had more possession, and they finally found the equaliser in the 64th minute through Salomon Rondon, who, upon spotting Maxime Crepeau off his line, produced an audacious lob that sailed over the scrambling goalkeeper and into the empty net. It was the former Everton and Newcastle United striker’s 44th goal for Venezuela.
With neither side unable to find the winner, the game headed straight for the shoot-out. Both teams were all square after five attempts each. Then, Venezuela defender Wilker Angel had his penalty saved by Crepeau and Ismael Kone buried the winning penalty to send Canada through.
“Emotions are running high. I’m so happy for everyone who is supporting us,” Crepeau, who made two saves in the shoot-out, told Fox Sports.
“It’s a lot of work and now we have the fruit of our hard work. This is amazing to be in the semi-finals of Copa America.
“I think everybody needs to realise this country and its footballers deserve respect.”
Marsch, the former Leeds United manager, took charge of Canada only in mid-May, but his impact was evident in a high-energy, hard-pressing performance against Venezuela.
“We were the better team and we deserved to win,” said Marsch, whose team had been able to push Venezuela “to the limit”.
“We believe more and more in ourselves and our confidence is growing.”
Venezuela coach Fernando Batista said his team, who had won all three of their group-stage games, had enjoyed a positive tournament despite the loss.
“I leave with anger for losing on penalties, without losing a game in 90 minutes. But I leave proud of my players, who had a tremendous Copa America,” he said.
“The team have more and more character...
“We have to chew our cud and focus on (World Cup) qualification, which is our main objective. We’ll keep going forward.”
Batista added that he had not underestimated Canada.
“I wasn’t surprised by Canada because they were drawn in a very difficult group and finished above Peru and Chile and they competed against Argentina,” the Argentinian said.
“This is football and penalties sent us home.”
Venezuela are the only South American team never to have qualified for a World Cup, but they are on course for a spot in the 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico and Canada, sitting in fourth place in Conmebol qualifiers.
AFP, REUTERS
