Follow live reaction as Canada overcame Venezuela on penalties to set up a Copa America rematch against reigning champions Argentina
Michael Dominski
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Canada beat Venezuela on penalties
Canada have beaten Venezuela in a penalty shootout to reach the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America, where they will clash with reigning champions Argentina for a second time this summer.
With the two sides level after five spot kicks each, Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau kept out Wilker Angel’s effort before Ismael Kone converted the winning penalty to seal a 4-3 shootout win.
Canada had earlier taken the lead in the match when Jacob Shaffelburg poked home a Jonathan David cross. But Venezuela found the leveler after the break when Salomon Rondon scored an audacious 40-yard lob, punishing Crepeau for straying too far from his line.
Canada prevailed on penalties, however, and they will now face Argentina for a second time after the defending champions defeated them 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament.
The moment Canada won the penalty shootout
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Positive tournament for Venezuela
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While Venezuela will be sick at having missed out on a semifinal berth in this fashion, there are a lot of positives they can take from their performances at this tournament. They set a new team record with three wins at a single edition of Copa America, while their seven total goals for tied their highest output.
'I dare you to go win the damn thing'
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Plenty of our readers, Canada supporters and otherwise, were overjoyed to see Canada pull off this win, taking to our discussion page to share their reactions.
Mary F.: CANADA! Y'all have this dejected and disgruntled US supporter's total support.
Thomas B.: Congratulations Canada! I genuinely mean that. Y’all have been super fun to follow from afar these past few years. Now I dare you to go win the damn thing.
Giselle G.: Crepeau redeemed himself.
Raihan K.: Canada soccer is ahead of USMNT at the moment
Canada vs Argentina in rematch of tournament opener
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Canada and Argentina's semifinal meeting will be a rematch of Copa America's opening game, which saw the defending champions run out 2-0 winners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 20.
Argentina dominated the first half in that game but didn't break through until Julian Alvarez scored in the 49th minute, with Lautaro Martinez adding their second two minutes from full time to seal the win. Lionel Messi had several big chances to score but failed to take them, missing some and seeing some denied by Maxime Crepeau.
In a reflection of their overall dominance in that match, Argentina finished with an advantage in expected goals of 3.02 to 1.16.
Canada flying the CONCACAF flag
Canada have become the third CONCACAF team to reach the semifinals of Copa America in their very first appearance at the tournament, joining Mexico in 1993 and Honduras in 2001.
Our first semifinal is set
The Athletic
And with that, we have our first semifinal matchup: Canada will take on Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Tuesday.
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Heartbreak for Venezuela but things are looking up
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Heartbreak for Venezuela. They felt the hand of destiny on their shoulder during this Copa America and would have so dearly loved to have reached the semifinals for the second time in their history.
They must now digest this and refocus on their main aim: qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which would be their first appearance at that tournament.
Redemption for Crepeau
Maxime Crépeau was at fault for Venezuela's equalizer in the second half, caught in no man's land as Salomón Rondón chipped over him from midfield.
But he's redeemed himself here, making a crucial save on Wilker Ángel's penalty to give Ismaël Koné the opportunity to clinch the win.
CANADA DEFEAT VENEZUELA ON PENALTIES, ADVANCE TO SEMIFINALS
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Kone scores to clinch the win for Canada!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
- Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅
Crepeau denies Angel!
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Crepeau guesses the right way and stops Angel's effort! Canada can win this with their next kick!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
- Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅
Davies scores!
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Davies scores with aplomb and we head into a sixth round!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅
- Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅
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Cadiz scores!
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Cadiz coolly rolls the ball into the corner and Venezuela are in front!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅
- Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
Canada have to score this next one or Venezuela win!
Romo denies Eustaquio!
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Eustaquio's tame effort is saved by Romo and we're back on level terms!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
- Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
Savarino hits the post!
Savarino hits the post and Canada have the advantage again! Crepeau looked like he got a piece of that strike!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
- Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅
Bombito scores!
Bombito stutters and sends Romo the wrong way, coolly rolling the ball into the opposite corner, all with a laser pointing in his face!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅
- Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅
Rincon scores!
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Crepeau gets close but Rincon powers his shot home!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅
- Canada: ✅ ❌
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Millar misses too!
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Millar sends his kick well over the bar and we're back on level pegging!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌
- Canada: ✅ ❌
Herrera misses! Advantage to Canada!
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Crepeau guesses the wrong way but Herrera completely misses the target!
- Venezuela: ✅ ❌
- Canada: ✅
David just barely beats Romo's dive!
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Romo guesses the right way and nearly gets there but David's shot still beats him!
- Venezuela: ✅
- Canada: ✅
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