A ticket to the semi-final of the Copa América is on the line when Group B winner Venezuela clashes with Group A runner-up Canada at AT&T Stadium in Texas on Friday night. The team that punches that ticket will, at least, match their best-ever finish at the competition.
By Jon Arnold
It’s the first time Canada has participated, with the Reds qualifying for one of six Concacaf spots in the 2024 tournament thanks to a play-off victory over Trinidad and Tobago. Venezuela have been in 19 editions before but only once have they made it to the semi-finals: The 2011 tournament in Argentina when they fell to Paraguay on a penalty shootout in the final four and lost to Peru in the third-place play-off game.
Both teams have undoubtedly been on the rise in the international game in the last few years. Canada are currently ranked 48th in the world by FIFA, down from their all-time high of 33rd back in 2022, while Venezuela sit 54th having peaked in the top 25 just four years ago.
Canada have hit something of a speed bump, with their 2022 World Cup preparation disrupted by issues around friendly matches and a dispute between the players and the federation. Now, not only is new leadership in place at Canada Soccer, but American manager Jesse Marsch has arrived. After a trial by fire to start life in Canada – playing friendly matches on the road against the Netherlands and France, then opening the Copa América against defending champion Argentina. Canada got out of the group thanks to a 1-0 win over Peru and a scoreless draw with Chile – both contests in which Canada’s opponents picked up a red card. In the quarter-final, there is no doubt they will need more from their star-studded offence.
The North Americans will already be down one weapon in attack. Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan suffered a fractured tibia in training earlier in the week in Texas, with the squad calling an end to the session because of the frustration felt after losing a key player. He had surgery and will miss time not only with his country but also when the club season resumes as his recovery is expected to take four to five months. That may lead Marsch to evaluate where he utilises Alphonso Davies, who has played full-back, wingback and winger with the national team – and sometimes in the same game.
Venezuela entered the tournament knowing they had an in-form Salomón Rondón, and the forward has delivered with two goals in three group victories. Yet, he’s getting help up front as well, as Eduard Bello has matched his two goals, and both Darwin Machís and Yeferson Soteldo have been able to add a creative element to Venezuela’s front line that has been lacking.
Critically, goalkeeper Rafael Romo has been one of the best shot-stoppers of the tournament, starring against Mexico as Venezuela secured a win despite conceding 2.88 in xG, including a penalty.
Both teams want to make history and return to their nations with their best-ever Copa América finish. One of them will head home this weekend, the dream of a semi-final in 2024 unfulfilled.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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