Canada looking to continue surprising Copa series against Venezuela

The upcoming Copa America quarter-final match between Venezuela and Canada holds significant historical implications for both teams. Venezuela has historically been considered a lesser team in South American football, and a victory over Canada would equal their best-ever performance in the Copa America, matching their fourth-place finish in 2011.

The upcoming Copa America quarter-final match between Venezuela and Canada holds significant historical implications for both teams. Venezuela has historically been considered a lesser team in South American football, and a victory over Canada would equal their best-ever performance in the Copa America, matching their fourth-place finish in 2011.

Venezuela’s coach, Fernando Batista, emphasized the importance of surpassing the team’s historical best. He said, “We know we have to motivate ourselves a little more than we perhaps motivated ourselves for the group stage, because we are very close to surpassing Venezuela’s best historical performance in the Copa America. We know it is important.”

Venezuela had a successful Group B campaign, winning all three matches. However, some luck may have been involved, with Ecuador’s Enner Valencia receiving an early red card and Mexico’s Orbelin Pineda missing a penalty.

Canada, making their first appearance in the Copa America, also had some fortunate moments in their journey to the quarter-finals. They beat Peru 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Chile, with both opponents receiving red cards. Despite scoring only one goal, the fewest of any team that advanced, Canada showed a strong mentality and commitment.

Manager Jesse Marsh remarked, “There is still so much room for improvement, but I have to say the overall mentality and commitment to becoming the team we want to be is the highest level I’ve ever seen from any team I’ve worked with. I really enjoyed that part. I’m proud of them, but most of all I’m happy for them.”

Canada will be without winger Tajon Buchanan, who suffered a shin bone fracture during training. The match will be played on July 5, 2024, and will be a crucial moment in the history of both nations.

History is on the line for both Venezuela and Canada when they meet in the second quarter-final of the Copa America on Friday in Arlington, Texas.

Venezuela has long been considered one of the smallest players in South American football. If it beats Canada, it will equal its best performance in the Copa America, at least equaling its fourth-place finish in 2011.

“We know we have to motivate ourselves a little more than we perhaps motivated ourselves for the group stage,” Venezuela coach Fernando Batista said through an interpreter.

“Because we are very close to surpassing Venezuela’s best historical performance in the Copa America. We know it is important.”

Venezuela won all three games in Group B but may have had a bit of luck, thanks in part to Enner Valencia’s early red card in a 2-1 win over Ecuador and Orbelin Pineda’s missed penalty in a 1-0 win over Mexico.

In their first appearance at the Copa America, Canada also had some chances on their way to the quarter-finals, beating Peru 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with Chile, with both opponents receiving a red card.

Canada scored one goal, scored by Jonathan David, the fewest of any team that advanced. They will also be without winger Tajon Buchanan, who broke a shin bone in training after the draw with Chile that left them in second place in Group A.

“There is still so much room for improvement,” said manager Jesse Marsh after the draw against Chile.

“But I have to say the overall mentality and commitment to becoming the team we want to be is the highest level I’ve ever seen from any team I’ve worked with.

“I really enjoyed that part. I’m proud of them, but most of all I’m happy for them.”

Published July 5, 2024, 04:54 IST