Janice R. Andrews
Canada, making its Copa América debut, defeated Venezuela on penalties following a 1-1 draw in an exciting match at AT&T Stadium to advance to the semi-finals. Both teams showcased their attacking prowess in an end-to-end action-packed battle.
With an early goal from Jacob Shaffelburg, the game began. In the thirteenth minute, he scored his third goal for his country, beating goalkeeper Rafael Romo with a fast run into the box. Although this early goal gave Canada more confidence, attackers Cyle Larin and Jonathan David were unable to take use of their opportunities despite multiple counterattacks.
Persistently trying to equalize, Venezuela eventually found a way through in the sixty-fourth minute. Salomón Rondón stunned the crowd with a brilliant moment when he chipped Canadian goalie Maxime Crepeau from 39 meters away. The goal demonstrated a lack of defensive awareness when Canada was caught with just one defender back.
Both sides continued to press for a victory for the rest of the game, but neither was able to find the winning combination. Only 10 of the 32 total shots were on target, with three coming from Venezuela and seven from Canada.
Penalties were required to decide the winner because the score was tied at the end of regulation time. Canada prevailed in the shootout by maintaining composure. They will now on to play Argentina in the Copa América semifinals, carrying on their fantastic first-year campaign.
