Canada triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout against Venezuela on Friday, securing their first-ever spot in the Copa America semi-finals after a gripping 1-1 draw at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The teams were tied after five attempts each in the shootout. Wilker Angel’s penalty was saved by Maxime Crepeau, and Ismael Kone sealed the victory for Canada with his decisive spot-kick.
“Emotions are running high, I’m so happy for everyone who is supporting us,” Crepeau, who made two crucial saves in the shootout, told Fox Sports. “It’s a lot of work and now we have the fruit of our hard work. This is amazing to be in the semi-finals of Copa America. I think everybody needs to realise this country and its footballers deserve respect.”
In their first Copa America appearance, Canada will now face Argentina in New Jersey on Tuesday, seeking a place in the July 14 final.
The semi-final clash will be a rematch of the tournament’s opener, where defending champions Argentina secured a 2-0 win.
Despite scoring just once in their three group matches, Canada started the quarter-final with unusual urgency.
Their efforts paid off in the 13th minute when Jacob Shaffelburg converted a Jonathan David cross. Shaffelburg celebrated by holding up the jersey of teammate Tajon Buchanan, who had suffered a broken leg in training earlier in the week.
Jesse Marsch’s side missed several opportunities to extend their lead in the first half, with Shaffelburg testing
