Canada looking to continue surprising Copa series against Venezuela

Venezuela and Canada Clash in Historic Copa America QuarterfinalVenezuela and Canada Clash in Historic Copa America Quarterfinal Venezuela and Canada face off in the second quarter-final of the Copa America on Friday in Arlington, Texas, with history on the line for both nations. Venezuela’s Rise Venezuela has traditionally been an underdog in South American football. However, a victory over Canada would equal their best-ever Copa America performance, a fourth-place finish in 2011. “We need to motivate ourselves more than we did in the group stage,” said Venezuela coach Fernando Batista. “We’re close to surpassing Venezuela’s best historical performance.” Venezuela’s 100% record in Group B benefited from a bit of luck, including a red card for Ecuador’s Enner Valencia and a missed penalty by Mexico’s Orbelin Pineda. Canada’s Progress Making their Copa America debut, Canada also punched their ticket to the quarterfinals with mixed results. They defeated Peru 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Chile, despite red cards issued to both opponents. Canada has scored the fewest goals (one) of any team that advanced and will be without winger Tajon Buchanan due to a broken shin. “There’s room for improvement,” said manager Jesse Marsh. “But the mentality and commitment are the highest I’ve seen from any team I’ve worked with.” Key Points * Venezuela aims to surpass its best-ever Copa America performance. * Canada has shown resilience despite a lack of goals. * Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is a key pillar for Poland. * The match will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The quarterfinal clash between Venezuela and Canada promises to be an intriguing encounter, with both nations seeking to make history and advance to the semifinals.

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