Watch Peru vs Canada full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 22:00 (GMT) on 25th June 2024
The referee for this match is M. Escobar
Game played at Children’s Mercy Park
This is a match in South America – CONMEBOL Copa America, Group A, Season 2024
Historic Victory for Canada in Copa América 2024 Opener Against Peru
In a landmark moment for Canadian football, Les Rouges secured their first-ever Copa América victory with a 1-0 triumph over Peru in Group A. The win, achieved in sweltering conditions in Kansas City, marks a significant milestone for Jesse Marsch’s team, keeping their hopes alive in the tournament.
First Half: Dominance without Cutting Edge
Despite the pressure of facing potential elimination with a defeat, Canada showed composure from the outset, controlling possession but initially failing to test Pedro Gallese in the Peruvian goal. Maxime Crépeau, who had been impressive in the opener against Argentina, made a crucial save in the 27th minute to deny Piero Quispe from a narrow angle.
Canada’s best chance in the first half came when Cyle Larin failed to convert from Stephen Eustáquio’s cutback. Peru thought they had taken the lead shortly after, but Gianluca Lapadula’s goal was ruled out for offside. Tensions flared just before halftime when Marcos López headbutted Alistair Johnston, but controversially escaped without a card even after a VAR review.
Second Half: Tactical Changes and Turning Points
With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the first half ended dramatically as linesman Humberto Panjol collapsed but fortunately walked off under his own strength. With Canada struggling to find the net under Marsch, who had gone three and a half games without a goal, the manager made a triple substitution at halftime.
One of those substitutes, Jacob Shaffelburg, made an immediate impact and was fouled by Miguel Araujo, leading to a red card for the Peruvian defender after VAR intervention. This man advantage shifted the momentum in Canada’s favor.
Breakthrough and Historic Goal
Canada began to press their numerical advantage, with Richie Laryea and Cyle Larin both coming close. The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute. Jonathan David finished off a rapid counter-attack involving substitutes Kamal Miller, Tajon Buchanan, and Shaffelburg, scoring Canada’s first goal under Marsch and securing the lead.
Holding on for the Win
In the closing stages, debutant Tani Oluwaseyi missed a couple of chances to extend Canada’s lead, while Crépeau made a critical save from Christian Cueva’s volley in stoppage time to preserve the historic win. The victory puts Canada in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals as they prepare to face Chile in Orlando on Saturday. Peru, meanwhile, faces a daunting task against Argentina in their final group game in Miami.
Key Moments
- 27th Minute: Crépeau saves from Quispe at a narrow angle.
- 42nd Minute: Lapadula’s offside goal disallowed.
- 40th Minute: López headbutts Johnston, escapes card.
- 55th Minute: Araujo’s red card for foul on Shaffelburg.
- 73rd Minute: Jonathan David scores the winning goal.
- Stoppage Time: Crépeau’s crucial save from Cueva’s volley.
Conclusion
Canada’s historic 1-0 victory over Peru marks a significant milestone in their Copa América journey, providing a much-needed confidence boost. The team’s resilience and tactical adjustments paid off, setting the stage for a potentially successful tournament run. As they head into their final group match against Chile, Canada will look to build on this momentum and secure a spot in the knockout stages.