Canada will battle Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa America, after eliminating Venezuela via penalties.
Jacob Shaffleburg put the semi-finalists ahead in the 13th minute, before former Newcastle United striker Jose Salomon Rondon equalized in the 64th minute.
Remember, the knockout games in the 2024 Copa America head straight into penalties after regulation time, bar the final, and the duel of spot-kicks ended with Canada securing the ticket for the semi-finals.
How Did The Penalty Shootout Shape Up?
Salomon Rondon had put Venezuela in front in the shootout but the trio of Yangel Herrera alongside Jefferson Savarino and Wilker Angel all missed from the spot.
Tomas Rincon and Jhonder Cadiz were the other scorers for Fernando Batista’s side, while for Jesse Marsch’s Canada, only Liam Millar and Stephen Eustaquio fluffed their lines from the spot.
Lille’s Jonathan David alongside Moise Bombito, Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, and Ismael Kone all expertly tucked away their penalties
Canada are having a great run in the 2024 Copa America outing, as they have made it through to the last 4.
The Canucks will have to silence Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, for a place in the final.
Both countries met in their opening game for the 2024 Copa America, with La Albiceleste coming out top 2-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
Fans are keen on seeing where the pendulum will swing this time, as the battle intensifies at one of the biggest continental showpieces.
Canada will be aiming to submerge Lionel Messi’s Argentina at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the hope of going all the way to win the trophy.
Why Are Canada Participating In The Tournament?
The Canucks were allowed to participate in the 2024 Copa America, as South America’s football ruling body CONMEBOL, took the tournament to the United States Of America for the second time, having previously hosted the 2016 edition.
Given the paltry number of teams in the South American region, the ruling body of football in the continent, CONMEBOL, handed 6 slots to nations under CONCACAF, with the former having 10 participants.
Canada were one of the six teams handed the ticket for the tournament, as they secured qualification due to their outing in the 2023/24 Nations League.
Can Canada Dump Argentina Out Of 2024 Copa America In The Semi-finals?
Definitely, it is an uphill task for them going toe-to-toe with world champions, Argentina, but they can’t be written off, as they can spring a surprise.
If they also go out in this round, Canada can pat themselves on the back, as Jesse Marsch’s side have done pretty well in their first outing at the 2024 Copa America.
Additionally, if the Canucks manage to go all the way, there will be electric celebrations all through Canada.
Argentina are overwhelming favorite going into this fixture, having met Canada on two previous occasions and have come out victorious in both matches.
La Albiceleste are also the defending champions of the 2024 Copa America, having defeated Brazil 1-0 in the 2021 final.
Angel Di Maria netted the solitary goal in the game in the 22nd minute, as Lionel Messi secured his first major senior international trophy, before going on to clinch the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.
