It may have been penalties that hit the final nail in the coffin for Canada, but they were ultimately undone by themselves.
The Canadian Men’s National Team, after seven rounds of a penalty shootout, lost to Guatemala in the quarter-final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Canada had the early lead in the match through a goal from Jonathan David. But a red card for Jacob Shaffelburg just before half-time gave Guatemala a lifeline, one they took full advantage of, tying the match and forcing a trial by shootout.
For a nation expected not only to be favourites to make the final but to win outright, it was a huge disappointment for the Jesse Marsch era of the men’s national team.
In contrast to Canada’s match against El Salvador, it was a much better start to the match. Guatemala played positively, and although Canada held possession throughout the beginning of the first half, they were able to create a few opportunities.
Tajon Buchanan missed an early header, and Tani Oluwayesi had an empty net chance headed away on the goalline by Aaron Herrera.
Canada took the one-goal lead in the 30th minute with a penalty by Jonathan David.
Tani Oluwaseyi was brought down in the 18-yard box after a brilliant through-pass from Ritchie Laryea. There were questions about how easily Oluwaseyi went down, and VAR took their time in evaluating the play.
But the penalty was eventually confirmed, and David did what he was unable to do in the previous match against El Salvador.
Shaffelburg, already on a yellow card from the 40th minute, added another in first-half stoppage time, receiving his marching orders.
Canada had work to do in the second half. Possession dropped playing with 10 men as they were forced to be compact, defending Guatemala’s push for long stretches.
Guatemala sensed their opportunity and was aggressive in pushing its chances.
They found it in the 69th minute. Rubio Rubin got high over Luc De Fougerolles and, with power, headed a pinpoint ball into the goal behind Dayne St. Clair.
Canada looked dead on their feet as the second half moved into the later stages. Being forced to chase the ball and with substitutions coming late, the players looked as though they were waiting for a penalty shootout rather than trying for a final goal.
But relying on penalties ended up playing into the hands of Guatemala. Canada had been forced to substitute Jonathan David in the final minute of the match as injury and fatigue became too much for the Canadian captain.
Canada selected Promise David, Daniel Jebbison, Derek Cornelius, Mathieu Choinière and Cyle Larin as their five takers. The first four found the mark, but Larin’s penalty was saved.
Guatemala’s Jose Carlos Pinto took their fifth penalty and put it high, which meant sudden death was required.
But it only lasted two more rounds. Luc De Fougerolles hit the crossbar, which was all Guatemala needed to secure their first-ever progression to the semi-final of the Gold Cup.
Questions a year out from World Cup
The Gold Cup was meant to be Marsch’s testing ground for next year’s FIFA World Cup. It was the chance for players to cement their place in the roster or find themselves on the periphery.
And certain players succeeded in making a positive mark.
Niko Sigur was effective as a right-back and midfielder in the matches he played. His ability to move the ball forward got him his first goal for Canada. Nathan Saliba also got his first goal for country and looked good in the midfield.
In contrast, Ismael Kone repeatedly found himself overlooked. Choinière seemed to secure a lock as a starter in the midfield (with Stephan Eustáquio out), and both Sigur and Saliba moved up the pecking order over Kone.
Up front, Larin looked off the pace, often coming from the bench with Tani Oluwaseyi starting.
Jebbison, getting his first minutes as a newly minted Canadian player, looked lost playing on the wing. Understandably, it is not his preferred position, but given the injury to Ali Ahmed, it was an opportunity to take, which he did not.
Up next
Canada heads into the summer on a long break, which is probably needed. Marsch has several difficult decisions to make before friendlies in the fall.
The first of those friendlies is against Romania on Sept. 5, followed by Wales on Sept. 9.
