Copa America: Canada defeats Venezuela 4-3 in penalties; advances to semis

Arlington: In the Copa America quarterfinals, Canada made history once again by defeating Venezuela 4-3 on penalties after the two sides were drawn 1-1 during normal play at AT&T Stadium. The lead began with a goal by Canada's Jacob Shaffelburg in the thirteenth minute. Throughout the game, the team had numerous opportunities to increase that tally, but they were unable to break through the opposition's net once more.

Canada held their own against an unbeaten Venezuela side until Salomon Rondon, the man in form scored an audacious chip from over 40 yards out to catch the goalkeeper off his line and level the game in the 64th minute of the game and score his third of the tournament.

The full-time whistle blew at 1-1 taking the game straight into penalties as extra-time is not played in the stage of the tournament, IANS reported.

The penalty shootouts were a thriller to watch as both sides seemed to be mirroring their opponents. Both teams scored their first, third and fifth attempt whilst simultaneously missing their second and fourth shots dragging the shootouts to sudden death.

Wilker Angel’s penalty was saved by Maxime Crépeau and Ismael Kone made no mistake in burying the next chance to win the shootouts 4-3.

Jesse Marsch’s side is making their first-ever appearance in the history of the tournament and now finds themselves in the semifinals of the tournament. They will face Argentina in the next round. This is a great sign for Canadian football as the United States of America, Mexico and Canada are scheduled to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.