Jesse Marsch delighted with intelligent Canada performance against Chile at Copa America

ORLANDO – Canada sealed last-eight qualification in their first-ever Copa America in a drab 0-0 draw with Chile on June 29, as coach Jesse Marsch praised his side for playing intelligently and closing out the match against 10 men.

Despite having a man’s advantage for over two-thirds of the contest in Orlando, Canada were cautious in attack and worked hard to contain their opponents.

The draw moved Canada up to four points in Group A, five behind leaders Argentina, whose 2-0 win over Peru in the other match ensured Canada’s progression.

“We could have made life so much easier on ourselves by finding a way to finish it off, but we knew Argentina scored at the beginning of the second half, so the key was to not give anything away,” Marsch said.

“I tried to encourage them to stay stable and balanced... It’s not just the goalkeeper and the defenders, the entire team have been very organised tactically, and disciplined.

“That has meant that we are very difficult to play against. We have looked athletic and strong in every match, and that’s what has helped us move forward.”

Chile assistant coach Sergio Santin, however, saw things differently. The 2015 and 2016 champions had not been eliminated earlier than the quarter-finals since 2004, but now became one of the first leading sides to be going home early.

“And all the way until the last minute, Canada were defensive. They were facing, of course, a result that was beneficial for them, and they defended that result,” said Santin, who was filling in for suspended coach Ricardo Gareca.

Marsch, who took charge of the team in May, said Canada were not satisfied just with making it to the quarter-finals on their tournament debut.

“I’m challenging them to grow and get better and adapt to what I want them to become,” said the American.

“Challenging them to be more savvy professionals, more savvy players, more mature players. Challenging them to understand the tactics and not just the mentality of what a real team are, but how it fits into a tactical model and system.”

He added: “I’ve been incredibly impressed with them... I’m very proud of this accomplishment. But again, we’re not satisfied. We’re looking forward and we’re going to go after the game on Friday as well.”

Canada will face the winners of Group B in their quarter-final on July 5 while Argentina will face the runners-up of the same group.

World Cup holders Argentina shrugged off the

injury absence of Lionel Messi

to maintain their perfect record against Peru in Miami, with Lautaro Martinez scoring twice.

With Messi sidelined after complaining of a sore right hamstring and coach Lionel Scaloni serving a one-game suspension, Argentina made nine changes to their starting XI.

But despite the makeshift line-up, they were always in control against a disappointing Peru side, who managed just one shot on target during a one-sided encounter.

Said Martinez: “It was tough in the first half because they were defending deep, but the first goal opened up the game. There’s a lot more to come from us.” REUTERS, AFP