Watch Canada vs Chile full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 00:00 (GMT) on 30th June 2024
The referee for this match is W. Roldán
Game played at Inter&Co Stadium
This is a match in South America – Copa America, Group A, Season 2024
Historic Draw Sees Canada Advance to Copa América Quarter-Finals, Chile Crash Out
Canada secured a spot in the quarter-finals of their first-ever Copa América with a gritty goalless draw against 10-man Chile in Orlando. This milestone makes them the first debutants to reach the knockout stages in over two decades. Conversely, Chile, champions in 2015 and 2016, exited at the group stage without scoring a single goal.
A Match of High Stakes and Early Drama
With Chile needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive, they started on the front foot. Victor Dávila led the charge, volleying wide from Gabriel Suazo’s cross and narrowly missing the target with another attempt moments later. The Chilean fans, who dominated the crowd at Inter&Co Stadium, were vocally supportive, but their enthusiasm waned in the 27th minute when Suazo, already booked, tripped Richie Laryea just outside the box and received a red card.
Numerical Advantage for Canada
Canada, having already experienced playing against 10 men in their previous match against Peru, looked to capitalize on their advantage. Alphonso Davies’ precise ball over the top found Jonathan David, who chipped the ball over the onrushing Gabriel Arias, but his shot drifted wide. Arias, filling in for the injured Claudio Bravo, then made a critical save from Stephen Eustáquio just before halftime, as tensions escalated on the pitch.
Second Half Tension and Tactical Battles
An early goal for Argentina against Peru provided Canada with a safety net, knowing a draw would suffice unless Peru staged a comeback. Despite being a man down, Chile pressed for a crucial goal, with Igor Lichnovsky’s header from a corner being superbly saved by Maxime Crépeau early in the second half.
The match remained a midfield battle, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Substitute Liam Millar was booked almost immediately upon entering the fray, reflecting the match’s intensity. Alexis Sánchez nearly caught out Crépeau with a deflected shot, while Tajon Buchanan had Canada’s first significant second-half chance, which was saved by Arias. In stoppage time, Tani Oluwaseyi had a goal disallowed for offside, but the result held.
Celebration and Reflection
The goalless draw was enough for Canada, ensuring their progression to a probable quarter-final clash against Venezuela and providing a celebratory mood ahead of Canada Day. For Chile, the tournament ended in disappointment, marking their first group-stage exit since 2004 and prompting serious introspection.