Canada beats Venezuela in penalty kicks and advances to semifinals to face Argentina

Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau saved two shots in the penalty shootout so that Canada beat Venezuela 4-3, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, and qualified for the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America, in which they will face Argentina and Lionel Messi.

Crepeau blocked the shots of Jefferson Savarino and Wilker �ngel to be the hero of the Canadian team at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Yangel Herrera also missed his shot from twelve steps by the Vinotinto.

Jonathan David, Moise Bombito, Alphonso Davies and Ismael Kon� successfully kicked for the Canadians who, in their first Copa Am�rica, placed themselves among the four best on the continent.

How it all started for both teams

Jacob Shaffelburg had scored the opening goal for Canada in the 12th minute in front of 51,000 spectators, the overwhelming majority of whom were from Venezuela, and historic scorer Salom�n Rond�n equalized in the 65th minute.

Canada had more opportunities in the first 45 minutes and the result could have been greater, but its players were not correct in the definition and forgave the Venezuelan. Rond�n had a chance to put the score 2-1 in a similar action, but this time the goalkeeper closed with certainty and avoided the fall of the Canadians, who were also close to victory in the final minutes with Isma�l Kon� (89), a shot that came out next to the Rafael Romo's arch post.

On Tuesday, Canada will challenge world champion Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for a place in the tournament final. They already collided in the opening match of the Copa Am�rica, in Atlanta, with a 2-0 victory for the Albiceleste.

However, that inaugural game was not as the score said. The Canadian team was very difficult to beat and if the Argentinian continues to play like they did versus Ecuador, they will once again have a tough time.