The Canadian Men’s National Soccer Team will have to put their plans on hold for quarter-final advancement in the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Anyone who watched the emphatic display against Honduras was likely hard-pressed to recognize the same team. Canada was ultimately flattered by a 1-1 draw score line against Curaçao in Houston.
A victory would have seen Canada move into the quarter-finals as the top performer of Group B. Instead, they will need a performance against El Salvador on Tuesday in order to get the job done.
Canada did keep the top spot in the group on four points. Curaçao moved into second with two points. Both Honduras and El Salvador stand at a single point and play their second match of the group stage against one another later in the day.
Canada got to work early. Nathan Saliba got his second goal of the tournament (second for Canada overall as well) in the ninth minute off the second phase of a Jayden Nelson free kick.
Canada continued to dictate the play with dominant ball possession and simple control throughout the first half. But their final touch lacked, and their opportunities dwindled.
Curaçao grew into the match as Canada faltered. They came close to tying the match just before halftime as Jurgen Locadia found dangerous space inside Canada’s 18-yard box.
A well-timed pass from Sherel Floranus opened up Locadia. But the striker’s shot passed just wide of the far post.
The second half started chippy. Ali Ahmed came on for Nelson in the 56th minute and made an instant impact, causing problems for Curaçao down the right side of the pitch.
But barely 10 minutes on, he was already the victim of a couple of harsh challenges, forcing him to get his ankle strapped up. A few minutes later, he was forced to exit the match.
Curaçao thought they had tied it up in the 66th minute. Floranus and Locadia connected again with the striker turning on his heel for the smart shot beyond Dayne St. Clair.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, it was deemed offside.
Curaçao were denied a rather clean penalty late in the game. A free kick came off Saliba’s arm in Canada’s 18-yard box; however, a whistle from the stands confused players, contributing to the handball.
Referee Juan Calderón ordered a drop ball from the point of the free kick, negating Curaçao’s shouts for the penalty.
But not to be dissuaded, the island nation did find their first goal of the tournament in stoppage time. A poor touch from Alistair Johnston enabled Curaçao to get the ball forward to Jeremy Antonisse.
The attacking player was all alone on St. Clair and gave the Canadian keeper no chance. It was final touch to an otherwise nonsensical match.
Canada benefits from…Concacaf?
Canada is used to the antics of playing in their confederation. Fan behaviour, bizarre referee calls, opposition player antics and dives—they have seen it all over the years.
However, this may have been the first time that “being Concacaf’d” benefitted Canada.
Curaçao should be reasonably frustrated over a number of incidents in this match. A missed penalty, VAR reviews and denied opportunities are just to name a few.
Yes, they did have a few odd occasions that went their way, but on the night, the number that in Canada’s favour was significant.
Up next
Canada will have their final group-stage match on Tuesday June 24 against El Salvador. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PST.
