Ismaël Koné scored the winning goal in the penalty shootout and Canada defeated Venezuela to advance to the semifinals of the Copa America on Friday night.
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau had previously stopped the Venezuelans’ sixth shot to allow his teammate to equalize.
A penalty shootout was necessary to determine the winner as the score was still 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Jacob Shaffelburg, the “Messi of the Maritimes”, put Canada in the lead for the first time in the 13th rounde Minute, when he thwarted the opposing goalkeeper with a precise shot after taking advantage of a well-placed cross from Jonathan David.
Photo credit: Getty Images via AFP
Canada and Venezuela then shared the scoring opportunities without being able to take advantage of them.
Trailing by a goal in the second half, Venezuela went all out and their repeated attacks eventually led to a goal by the experienced Salomon Rondon, who took advantage of a rare error by Maxime Crépeau in this tournament by heading the ball over his head when the Canadian goalkeeper was too far from his net.
Photo credit: AFP
The goal, however, did not destroy Canada’s morale, which then took control for the rest of the game without being able to capitalize on its numerous chances.
After 90 minutes of regular time, penalties were necessary to determine the winner.
Ultimately, Canada won 4-3 thanks to goals from David, Moïse Bombito, Alphonso Davies and Koné.
In the semifinals, Canada will again face reigning world champions Argentina, against whom it lost 2-0 in the group stage.
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