Canada beats 10-man Peru for 1st win at Copa America

06/25/2024 10:07 PM

Copa America debutant Canada claimed its first win at the tournament Tuesday, beating Peru 1-0 to put itself within touching distance of reaching the quarterfinals.

The Canadians, badly outplayed in the first half and seemingly unable to match Peru's energy in sweltering conditions in Kansas City, got a lifeline when Miguel Araujo was sent off in the 59th minute. Jesse Marsch's side took full advantage, striking on the counterattack through Jonathan David in the 74th minute to secure a vital three points ahead of its Group A finale against Chile on Saturday.

The goal, a perfect low shot that careened off the post and in after an excellent pass from impact substitute Jacob Shaffelburg, was Canada's first in four games since Marsch took the helm, ending the team's 391-minute scoreless streak.

It was David's 27th tally for his country.

Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, Canada's best performer in a 2-0 loss to Argentina in the tournament opener, came up with a pair of late saves as the CONCACAF side withstood a stoppage-time surge from Peru at Children's Mercy Park.

"It was a difficult game ... even 10 against 11, it was very difficult," David told TSN's Matthew Scianitti after the match, adding, "(The win) means that even through adversity we can battle, we can get results. ... The most important thing today was to show ourselves that we can win a game."

Canada looked sluggish and disorganized in the first half, unable to generate anything going forward as Peru dictated the game, dominating possession and using a physical approach to win duels and take control of the encounter.

The stifling heat played a role in the pace of play, too. It also appeared to be the culprit for assistant referee Humberto Panjoj collapsing and requiring medical attention late in the first half, as the temperature in the stadium felt like 38 degrees Celsius.

The feistiness spilled over in the 39th minute when Marcos Lopez appeared to headbutt Alistair Johnston after the pair exchanged words on the touchline, but despite a VAR review, the Peruvian left-back avoided being sent off.

His teammate Araujo wasn't so lucky in the second half, though.

His forceful follow-through on Shaffelburg, initially deemed worthy of only a yellow card, was upgraded to a red upon review by referee Mario Escobar.

That was the impetus Canada needed to finally take more control of the frenetic match, with Shaffelburg, who was also dangerous off the bench against Argentina, particularly enjoying and making use of the additional space following Araujo's sending off.

"It was a very beautiful moment, honestly, just looking around and just seeing the relief on everyone's face just for getting that victory, getting that underneath our belt, and now looking forward to the next game," Shaffelburg told TSN of his emotions at the final whistle.

Canada takes on Chile in its Group A finale Saturday. A win will guarantee a spot in the quarterfinals, while a draw may also be enough, depending on the outcome of Peru's concurrent match against Argentina.

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