Canada started their pre-World Cup warmup with a decisive 2-0 win over Uzbekistan on a rainy Edmonton evening.
Goals from Jonathan Osorio and Jayden Nelson in the second half sealed the win as Les Rouges now head across country to Montreal, where they will face Ireland on Friday before the tournament begins.
Canada started on the front foot in front of an Edmonton crowd that was braving the rain. But an Uzbek team managed by the Italian, Fabio Cannavaro, one of the best defenders of all time, was structured and composed in defence.
That discipline enabled Uzbekistan to work its way into the match, understand the conditions, and slowly begin to build. That buildup, created through quick transitions to their main attacker, Eldor Shomurodov, threatened Canada’s high back line on several occasions.
A slip by Moïse Bombito allowed Shomurodov through on Maxime Crépeau, but the Canadian defender recovered well to help send the shot wide. Later on, Shomurodov’s breakaway forced a brilliant save from Crépeau, who got low to the left to parry the shot away.
Shomurodov also showed his heading ability, forcing another quality stop from Crépeau, an instinctive save from the Orlando CITY SC keeper.
For Canada at the other end, Liam Millar was the main creative force, carrying the ball up the left to either cut in for an attempt or run to the byline for a cross. He was also alone at the far post a couple of times to get on the end of a cross from the right, a cross that was few and far between.
Uzbekistan edged Canada in terms of best chances, but the home side did offer a few chances in the first half’s stoppage time, but nothing that came out of it.
Numerous changes at halftime brought on new blood and new opportunities, and Osorio, getting his 90th cap with this match, did not disappoint.
Tani Oluwaseyi, another halftime sub, found space on the right where Osorio was running into, and played the ball into his path. The Canadian captain shot low and hard, getting the ball past Uzbekistan’s keeper, Abduvohid Nematov, at the near post in the 58th minute.
Nelson made his case to be added to the Canadian squad for the World Cup with a strong second-half performance and a two in stoppage time. Oluwaseyi found the streaking Austin FC man on the left, and Nelson calmly placed the ball just inside the far post in the 91st minute.
It was a strong second-half performance, chock-full of substitutions by way of the 11 allowed for each team on the night. And it should give fans some calm that when called on, those players can and will step up.
Keeper solved for Canada; now question is Flores replacement?
Crépeau played the first 45 minutes and stood strong on a couple of occasions against Shomurodov. It was a strong performance, which should remind fans of the big-win mentality he has.
Dayne St. Clair registered a save as well, but given the number of chances both sides made in the second half, his workload was much less.
The second half also showed Canada’s depth. In addition to the goal creators, two players displayed their skill and their desire to take the spot left by the injured Marco Flores: Nelson and Ralph Priso.
Nelson was a constant threat on the left, not only cutting inside as Vancouver Whitecaps’ fans will remember, but also using his weaker left foot to put dangerous crosses into the box.
His goal in stoppage time will definitely put Jesse Marsch on notice.
Priso, playing in yet another position at left back, continued to showcase his adaptability and how quickly he learns.
Up next
Canada flies to Montreal for their second warm-up match on Friday, June 5, against Ireland.
Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m.
