A second-half strike from ahead Jonathan David helped Canada safe a 1-0 victory over 10-man Peru of their Copa America Group A match in Kansas Metropolis on Tuesday to lift hopes of a top-two end and a spot within the knockout phases.
David’s 74th-minute purpose was Canada’s first below new supervisor Jesse Marsch. Previous to Tuesday’s victory the Canadians had failed to attain in two worldwide friendlies and their opening Copa America match in opposition to Argentina.
“We will benefit from the second, however know the work is not executed,” captain Alphonso Davies advised Canadian broadcaster TSN.
Whereas Canada had the vast majority of possession within the first half, Peru had the higher probabilities, with Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau pulling off a pointy save to disclaim Piero Quispe, whereas Gianluca Lapadula had a purpose dominated out for offside on a sizzling and humid night time at Youngsters’s Mercy Park.
Assistant referee Humberto Panjoj collapsed throughout stoppage time within the first half, with Crépeau grabbing the eye of medical employees, who helped the linesman off the sector on a stretcher.
The momentum swung in Canada’s favour after the break, as Peru defender Miguel Araujo was despatched off following a VAR test for a heavy problem on Jacob Shaffelburg, earlier than Lille attacker David coolly slotted residence within the 74th minute to cap off a swift counter-attack.
Cyle Larin initiated the break from his personal field earlier than releasing Shaffelburg, who delivered a pinpoint cross for David to fit previous advancing goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Crépeau got here to Canada’s rescue in stoppage time by twice denying efforts from substitute Paolo Guerrero because the North American aspect held on to seal their first-ever Copa America win and a primary victory over a South American opponent since beating Colombia within the 2000 Concacaf Gold Cup ultimate.
It was additionally a primary win for head coach Jesse Marsch since he took over the Canada job in Might.
“We had been too naive within the first half, however performed extra direct within the second half,” Canada’s Stephen Eustaquio advised TSN.