It was “supposed” to be the USMNT’s summer to make a deep run on one of the world’s biggest stages at the 2024 Copa America, yet it is who will face reigning South American and world champions in the semifinals after outlasting Venezuela in a penalty shootout on Friday.
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It was also the Canadians who were the better side and probably should have been 2-0 or 3-0 — maybe even 4-0 — ahead before Venezuela equalized halfway through the second half. Jesse Marsch’s side was full of energy, confidence and quality, going toe-to-toe with one of the tournament’s top sides throughout the group stage. Venezuela won all three games in their group; Canada scored just one goal in three games.
Canada needed just 13 minutes to get on the scoreboard, and they should have had so much more. weaved his way through the Venezuelan defense and found at the near post for a composed finish. 13 minutes later, David was in behind and one-on-one with Rafael Romo, but the Venezuelan ‘keeper raced off his line and forced David to poke his shot wide. was inches from redirecting and tapping home ‘s wayward shot in the 31st minute and then booted a well-worked chance well over the crossbar in the 52nd minute.
Naturally, the Canucks were made to pay for their wastefulness, and in spectacular fashion. From a Canadian throw-in at one end of the field, to a long ball over the top and a lobbed finish from 45 yards out, somehow La Vinotinto were back on level terms. Salomon Rondon added to his record as Venezuela’s all-time top goalscorer (44), muscling off the ball and catching standing in no man’s land.
Both sides had chances to steal the win late, but were halfway happy to go to penalties in the end. rolled home the winning kick after Yangel Herrera hit the post and Jefferson Savarino and Wilker Angel were denied by Crepeau. The CONCACAF flag flies into the semifinals, and it’s an America at the helm, six months after being passed over for the USMNT job in favor of Gregg Berhalter’s return.
Venezuela vs Canada highlights, final score: 1-1 (3-4 PKs)
Goalscorers: Jacob Shaffelburg (14′), Salomon Rondon (64′)
Penalty kick takers
Venezuela
Made: Salomon Rondon, Tomas Rincon, Jhonder Cadiz
Missed: Yangel Herrera, Jefferson Savarino, Wilker Angel
Canada
Made: Jonathan David, , Alphonso Davies, Ismael Kone
Missed: , Stephen Estaquio
GOAL: Venezuela 1-1 Canada – Salomon Rondon equalizes from 45 yards out
GOAL: Venezuela 0-1 Canada – Jacob Shaffelburg turns home Jonathan David’s clever creation
Venezuela starting lineup
Romo – Aramburu, Ferraresi, Osorio, Navarro – Herrera, Martinez, Casseres Jr, Bello, Soteldo, Rondon
Canada starting lineup
Crepeau – Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies – Eustaquio, Osorio, Lareya – Shaffelburg, David, Larin
How to watch Venezuela vs Canada, stream link and start time
Kick off: 9pm ET, Friday (July 5)
Stadium: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
How to watch on TV, stream in USA: FS1,
Venezuela team news, focus
Eduard Bello and Salomon Rondon have been around a while and feeling good after scoring a pair of goals each in the group stage. Venezuela beat 2-1 1-0, and 3-0. Many would’ve guessed they’d exit the Copa America at the group stage. Instead, they are one of three perfect teams. Vibes are high.
Canada team news, focus
Canada didn’t have business getting out of this group but here they are despite losing the opener 2-0 to Argentina. Marsch’s men found a way to defend, blanking Peru and Chile. Still they scored just once. They’ll need a lot more from Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies to earn a rematch with Argentina (assuming the reigning champions take down Ecuador).
Venezuela vs Canada prediction
Let’s hope for entertainment. We should get it — Venezuela 2-1 Canada.