Canada beat Venezuela on penalties and advanced to a Copa America semi-final against Argentina next Tuesday (July 9).

Messi and Argentina face Canada in  Copa America semi-finals

Canada will face Argentina in the semi-finals next Tuesday, with Isamel Kone scoring the winning penalty, while goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau saved Venezuela’s final two penalties.

Jacob Shaffelburg opened the scoring for Canada in the 13th minute, off an assist from Jonathan David. After the goal, Shaffelburg ran to the bench and held up the No. 17 jersey of teammate Tajon Buchanan, who had surgery on a tibia injury sustained in practice. Buchanan returned to the team hotel on Thursday and was greeted warmly by his teammates.

Canada enters Copa America 2024 semi-finals

However, Canada’s lead did not last long. In the 64th minute, Salomon Rondon defeated Moise Bombito in a challenge and fired a long-range shot to equalize the score.

Canada had less possession, 45% to Venezuela’s 55%, but they took advantage of their chances, with seven shots on target compared to just three. The two teams then drew 1-1 after 90 minutes and immediately went into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

Here, Canada showed better character and won with a score of 4-3. With what they are showing, Canada promises to cause difficulties for Argentina in the next match.

Notably, this was Canada’s first time participating in the Copa America and they created a surprise by coming out of the group stage in second place, just behind the world’s number 1 team Argentina. Despite losing to Argentina in their opening match, Canada won 1-0 against Peru and held Chile to a 0-0 draw, thereby gaining 4 points and entering the knockout stage.