(Frisco, Texas) Cyle Larin and Jacob Shaffelburg scored in the second half and Canada defeated Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 to advance to the Copa América on Saturday in a League match CONCACAF nations.
This will be Canada’s first participation in the South American championship.
“We are very happy with our match and the qualification,” declared Canadian interim head coach Mauro Biello from the outset.
“We knew it was going to be a very difficult match. When you play matches like that against a team that is very physical and takes up space… I am very happy with the performance of my players and the way they behaved during the match. »
Trinidad and Tobago, ranked 96e in the world, defended itself well against the numerous offensive waves of the Canadians, 50are.
The Maple Leaf representatives had possession of the ball 63% of the time and obtained 11 corner kicks compared to only one for their opponents during the first 45 minutes of play, but without being able to get on the board .
Biello was therefore satisfied with the effort, but asked his players to make small adjustments for the rest of the match.
“When there are three attackers, they will close the spaces,” argued the former Montreal Impact driver. There wasn’t much space to work. But still, we put pressure on and we had chances to score at the end of the first half. »
PHOTO JEROME MIRON, USA TODAY SPORTS
Canada head coach Mauro Biello
We had to be a little more offensive on crosses. In the second half, they came out well and we were able to score.
Mauro Biello, head coach of Canada
Canada actually broke the tie at 61e minute when Tajon Buchanan cut towards the inside of the penalty area. He passed the ball to Larin, who beat goalkeeper Denzil Smith for his 29e goal on the international stage.
Crépeau resists
The job seemed done for Canada, even if it took hard work to close the books. Trinidad and Tobago tried to tie the game, but Quebec goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau blocked an attempt by the dangerous Levi García in the 85the minute.
PHOTO JULIO CORTEZ, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau (16) punches the ball in front of the Canada net.
Called on in relief during the match, Shaffelburg then hit the crossbar in the 86the minute, then he doubled his team’s lead five minutes later. It was his second goal with Canada.
CF Montreal’s Quebec midfielders Mathieu Choinière and Samuel Piette entered the match in the second half.
PHOTO JULIO CORTEZ, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Mathieu Choinière (15) and Real Gill (10)
Canada will therefore be one of the six CONCACAF nations invited to the Copa América. He will be in Group A with Argentina (first in the world), Peru (33e) and Chile (42e). He will begin the tournament against Argentina, the reigning world champion, on June 20 in Atlanta.
The Argentines won 5-0 in the only match between the two countries so far. It was May 2010, in Buenos Aires.