Copa America: Venezuela 1 (3) – (4) 1 Canada FINAL

The Texas sun is set to shine on a clash of dreams as Jesse Marsch’s Canucks face off against Fernando Batista’s red-hot Vinotinto. It’s a tale of two nations hungry for a taste of historic glory.

For Canada, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. A nation that once could only dream of World Cup appearances–just two, to be exact–now finds itself stepping confidently into the Copa America knockout rounds. Never having taken a point in their World Cup ventures, this debut voyage into Copa territory is a revelation. Not bad, eh?

Venezuela, on the other hand, has been the perennial underdog. Never reaching the World Cup and only once escaping the quarterfinals at a Copa America(remember 2011?). But oh, how times have changed. The past two decades have seen the Vinotinto rise from the shadows to become a team on the brink of greatness.

This is a very winnable game for them, with a semifinal spot–and likely a date with Argentina–dangling within reach. Is a finals run possible? Absolutely. Their only blemishes in the past year came against Colombia and Italy. Not exactly lightweights.

So, as the Canucks and Vinotinto prepare to square off in Texas, both teams carry the weight of their nation’s hopes and dreams. It’s a showdown that promises drama, passion, and perhaps, a historic victory that will be talked about for generations.

2024 Copa America Venezuela vs Canada LIVE updates, Friday, July 5th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau saved two shots in the penalty shootout so that Canada beat Venezuela 4-3, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, and qualified for the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America, in which they will face Argentina and Lionel Messi.

Crepeau blocked the shots of Jefferson Savarino and Wilker Ángel to be the hero of the Canadian team at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Yangel Herrera also missed his shot from twelve steps by the Vinotinto.

Jonathan David, Moise Bombito, Alphonso Davies and Ismael Koné successfully kicked for the Canadians who, in their first Copa América, placed themselves among the four best on the continent.

How it all started for both teams

Jacob Shaffelburg had scored the opening goal for Canada in the 12th minute in front of 51,000 spectators, the overwhelming majority of whom were from Venezuela, and historic scorer Salomón Rondón equalized in the 65th minute.

Canada had more opportunities in the first 45 minutes and the result could have been greater, but its players were not correct in the definition and forgave the Venezuelan. Rondón had a chance to put the score 2-1 in a similar action, but this time the goalkeeper closed with certainty and avoided the fall of the Canadians, who were also close to victory in the final minutes with Ismaël Koné (89), a shot that came out next to the Rafael Romo’s arch post.

On Tuesday, Canada will challenge world champion Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for a place in the tournament final. They already collided in the opening match of the Copa América, in Atlanta, with a 2-0 victory for the Albiceleste.

However, that inaugural game was not as the score said. The Canadian team was very difficult to beat and if the Argentinian continues to play like they did versus Ecuador, they will once again have a tough time.

You’d have thought Venezuela’s Copa America run would be short and done by this round. But no, here they are, waltzing into the knockout stages with all the swagger of a seasoned samba dancer. Eduard Bello and Salomon Rondon, the grizzled veterans, have been channeling their inner Ponce de León, each bagging a pair of goals in the group stage. Their victories over Ecuador (2-1), Mexico (1-0), and Jamaica (3-0) have been nothing short of miraculous. Venezuela, one of only three perfect teams left, is riding a high wave, and frankly, it’s a sight to behold.

Now, let’s shift our gaze northward to Canada. If you had Canada advancing past the group stage on your bingo card, go ahead and buy yourself a lottery ticket. Despite starting their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Argentina, Marsch’s menhave defied expectations, much like a maple tree in a hurricane. They managed to tighten up their defense, blanking both Peru and Chile, although their offense has been about as productive as a broken vending machine, netting just a single goal.

For Canada to keep their fairytale alive and earn a shot at revenge against Argentina, they’ll need Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies to find another gear. The reigning champions aren’t likely to roll over, assuming they get past Ecuador, and Canada will need to muster more than defensive grit to continue their unlikely journey.