Copa America: Canada knocks out Venezuela on penalties, it’s semifinal with Argentina

The picture of the first semifinal è now complete.

Canada in the Copa America semifinals, where it will face the Argentina of a Lionel Messi who has so far appeared decidedly opaque during the event. The North American selection prevailed in the Italian night between Friday and Saturday over Venezuela, in the challenge played at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington (near Dallas, Texas) on penalties: Ismael Koné’s transformation was decisive. The 90 minutes had been completed with the result 1-1.

The match seemed to get on the right track for Canada right from the start. In fact, the lead for Jesse Marsch's boys came in the 13th minute thanks to Shaffelburg, a few moments after another important chance built by Larin. Venezuela tried to react especially with Rondon, but è Shaffelburg himself came close to doubling: on the occasion è providential Romo. David and Laryea also tried, but their aim è imperfect.

After many chances to double, Canada suffers an equalizer in the second half. It came after another ball not properly exploited by Larin and a first great intervention by Crepeau on Bello. At 65' però nothing canò on Rondon’s shot from distance, which gives the goal and the hope of the semifinal to Venezuela. Actually, Vinotinto began to concede again, as Romo opposed Millar and Johnston like a champion, while Oluwaseyi missed the goal. On the other side, the attempts by Cadiz and Navarro are more vain.

It goes to penalties: Rondon and David score, Herrera and Millar miss. Rincon put Venezuela ahead, Bombito equalized for Canada, which then cheered for Crepeau’s save on Savarino. Romo però imitates him on Eustaquio, Cadiz and Davies score, Crepeau bars Angelo’s goal and Koné scores the decisive penalty for Canada. Next opponent is Argentina, next Tuesday, which is also back from its penalty shootout success against Ecuador.