Amid extreme heat advisories for Kansas City, Canada found a way to earn a crucial win in a major international tournament thanks to a second-half goal from Jonathan David against 10-man Peru.
But it was not easy.
The sun was shining on the field at Children’s Mercy Park, its effect being most noticeable when assistant referee Humberto Panzoz collapsed, stopping play during extra time in the first half of the Group A match. Stretchers were immediately brought for the linesman before he was treated by medical personnel, taken from the field and replaced after halftime.
The first half also included a controversial no-call on a head butt incident, then in the second half, Peru was penalized with a red card for a challenge by defender Miguel Araújo on Jacob Schaffenberg.
athleticJoshua Cloke shares his experiences from the match…
What happened to the assistant referee at the end of the first half?
The heat in Kansas City has been unbearable all week, with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees. Heat advisory remained in place throughout the day in the city.
During first half extra time, just as Canada was about to take a free kick in Peru’s half, assistant referee Panjoz collapsed on the floor. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was the first to notice and ran towards Panzoz. As soon as he did so, Crépeau shouted to get the attention of referee Mario Escobar. The game was stopped as a stretcher was immediately brought in for Panjoz.
Doctors help Panjoj. (Photo by Hector Vivas, Getty Images)
About five minutes later, Panjoz was taken off the field on a stretcher.
For much of the first half, approximately two-thirds of the pitch was covered in shadow from the stadium’s curved coverage. The part that was not covered by shadow was the place where Panjoz was to patrol.
At halftime, almost every fan seated on the western side of the stadium moved to shady areas as the stadium appeared to be about half full.
How did Canada’s breakthrough goal happen?
The difference between these sides, at least on paper, is Canada’s individual attacking quality. Many of its best attackers play in Europe’s top leagues. But throughout the game, many of Canada’s best players struggled to make an impact.
That was until one of Canada’s best weapons – its speed – tilted the game in its favour.
On a quick counter-attack, halftime replacement speedy winger Sheffenberg received a pass and turned the Jets on the line. Peru were easily caught out by not thinking too much about things and driving the ball straight towards goal from just inside the opposition’s half.
As he usually does, David timed his race perfectly to prepare himself for the long pass to Schaffelberg. After some smart touches, David headed home the opening goal from Marsh past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
First goal for Canada in Copa America ✅
First goal for Canada in the Jesse Marsh era ✅Jonathan David made history for Canada today 👏🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/eB0aME1Wdh
– Fox Soccer (@FOXSoccer) 25 June 2024
The goal was David’s 27th in his 50th match for Canada. This moves him within two goals of Syl Larin for Canada’s all-time goal scoring lead.
It always had to be David. Marsh has maintained a firm admiration for his forward’s football IQ and ability to maintain a level head when the game does not always unfold the way he expects. David’s composure was the difference and a reminder of why he is currently in demand in the Premier League.
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How did the referee’s decisions affect the game?
Referee Escobar took full control of a game that promised physicality long before kick-off. Peru coach Jorge Fossati said of Canada’s performance against Argentina that there was “a thin line between strength and violence”, an attempt to earn favor with Escobar and begin practicing the dark arts a little earlier than necessary. It seemed.
Yet on the pitch, Fossati’s side were more physical. For example, how did Escobar not give Peruvian midfielder Marcos Lopez a straight red for head-butting Canadian defender Alistair Johnston in the first half? This question boggles the mind when you add that the play was also reviewed by VAR.
With the heat persisting and the tension rising, Peru did not let its aggressive play wane in the second half. Escobar ultimately used VAR to review a possible foul on Miguel Araújo on the Canadian’s Scheffleburg. A red card was given for the foul and Peru were sent off with 10 players. Full credit to the Canadian team for remaining calm as the foul occurred right in front of their bench. Marsh stressed before the game how important discipline would be for his team. They were the only team to practice in the scorching heat of Kansas City.
red card 🟥
Peru’s Miguel Araujo has been given a red card for this challenge after the review ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/FxxhiHcQA9
– Fox Soccer (@FOXSoccer) 25 June 2024
Yet despite the man advantage, it took time for Canada to make the most of its opportunities. Canada struggled to take control of the game and generate any kind of creativity until David’s goal. They will need to create more chances to have any hope of progressing out of Group A.
What do this result mean for Canada?
Canada desperately needed a win under Marsh for several reasons.
Firstly, the progress they have shown tactically in the short time since Marsh took over in May is impressive. But that progress came without a result – or in this case, no goals – and this win is a reminder of what can happen with the positive steps Canada is taking.
Canada earned its first win under Marsh on Tuesday. (Photo by Hector Vivas, Getty Images)
The confidence Canada felt after holding France to a 0-0 draw in a June friendly was nice, but getting results in a competitive game is another matter. He showed composure when tempers flared and Peru tried to manipulate the game.
This result came against a team ranked 31st in the world by FIFA and must now be considered one of the greatest victories in Canadian football history. Canada has long believed that it should be considered on the same level as teams like Peru given the talent it possesses. Now they have a result to prove it.
Now, Canada can feel even more confident heading into their final group stage match against Chile. With its first win at a major tournament in a generation, Canada finds itself in a good position to advance.
What did the managers say?
Peru coach Jorge Fossati: “I don’t think it’s logical to play with this temperature at this time.”
“In the first half, we challenged Canada more than Argentina did (in the 2-0 win last week). And I am talking about the current world champion Argentina. We created more chances than we did against Chile. I think it’s fair to say we produced a great 60-minute match.”
Canadian coach Jesse Marsh: “We wanted to make a big statement, make history, and show that we’re ready for big challenges… And finally, with the Peruvian wisdom, the Peruvian experience, spoke about.” Manage the entire game appropriately and maintain your discipline and do not cross the line, do not put yourself in danger of bad cards and fouls, this shows your level of maturity. I am really happy for them. I’m really proud of him.”
What’s next for each team?
argentina vs peru – Saturday, June 29 at 8:00 pm ET/Saturday, June 30 at 1:00 pm UK (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida)
canada vs chile – Saturday, June 29 at 8:00 pm ET/Saturday, June 30 at 1:00 pm UK (Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida)
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(Top photo: Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
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