2024-07-14 02:07:26
Canada looked set for a historic third place in Saturday afternoon’s Copa America mini-final in Charlotte, but we shouldn’t forget Luis Suarez and Uruguay, who narrowly won on penalties.
The underrated Maple Leaf did well for this penultimate duel of the prestigious tournament, despite the setback. Bringing down the “Celeste”, which was 14th in the FIFA ranking, was a giant for Canada.
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It was in stoppage time in the second half that Uruguay, through the inevitable Suarez, created the tie, forcing a shootout. The Uruguayans won this session 4 to 3, celebrating after the final miss from Alphonso Davies, the fifth Canadian shooter.
In midfield, the Quebec duo of Ismaël Koné and Mathieu Choinière brought a lot of freshness to the team, while Dayne St. Clair place Maxime Crépeau in front of the web.
La Belle Provience’s representatives had their say, with Koné shaking the ropes in great fashion to answer Uruguay in the first half. The former member of the Bleu-Blanc-Noir went with a kick in the goal which surprised the goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.
The Canadians were much more playful than their opponents, increasing their shots on net and controlling possession. In addition, leaders Davies and Jonathan David entered the second wind in the last half hour.
The Lille striker also scored a goal in the 80th minute. Koné, again, took a long shot that Rochet easily managed. David didn’t hesitate to jump back.
Uruguay opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Rodrigo Bentancur positioned himself well near the Canadian goal. A well-taken corner, then taken by Sebastian Caceres, caught the defense off guard.
Argentina will play Colombia in the final on Sunday, near Miami.
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