Canada had to overcome 10-man Peru and an assistant referee in the first half of Tuesday’s match in Kansas City to win the Copa America for the first time.
Lille forward Jonathan David, 24, scored the only goal of the match midway through the second half (74′), giving the Canucks their first three points of the tournament and a first victory over a South American team since the CONCACAF Gold 2000 Cup Final – a 2-0 win over Colombia.
Assistant referee Humberto Panjoj had to be taken off the field on a stretcher at Children’s Mercy Park during extra time before halftime. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau urgently called for ambulance personnel to come to Panjoj’s aid.
It is widely believed that the Guatemalan official suffered from the heat and dehydration. The temperature in the stadium rose to 33 degrees Celsius, the perceived temperature was around 38 degrees Celsius and the humidity was 51 percent.
While Canada had most of the ball in the first half, Peru had the better chances, with Crepeau making a sharp save to deny Piero Quispe, while Gianluca Lapadula had a goal disallowed for offside.
Canadian forward Jonathan David is mobbed by his teammates after scoring in the second half
The momentum swung in Canada’s favor after the break, when Peru defender Miguel Araujo was sent off after a VAR check for a tough challenge, before David coolly headed home 15 minutes later to parry a quick counter-attack Close.
Crepeau came to Canada’s rescue in stoppage time, twice denying attempts from substitute Paolo Guerrero, as the North American side held on to seal their first-ever Copa America victory and draw level with Argentina, who face off in New Jersey later on Tuesday Chile plays.
Canada and Argentina now lead Group A with three points each, while both Peru and Chile have one point respectively.
Canada were bottom of the group entering Tuesday’s match after losing the opening match to Lionel Messi and Co. in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Reds face Chile on Saturday in Orlando, Florida.
More to follow…