Canada had to overcome 10-men Peru and an assistant referee collapsing in the first half of Tuesday’s game in Kansas City to win for the first time in the Copa America.
Lille forward Jonathan David, 24, scored the game’s only goal midway through the second half (74′) as the Canucks clinched their first three points of the tournament and a first victory over a South American team since the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup final – a 2-0 victory over Colombia.
Assistant referee Humberto Panjoj had to be removed from the field on a stretcher during added time before the break at Children’s Mercy Park. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau urgently called for EMTs to rush to Panjoj’s aid, at the time.
It’s widely believed that the Guatemalan official suffered from effects of heat and dehydration. Temperatures in the stadium were as high as 91 degrees at the start of the match, with a feels-like temperatures of 101 degrees and 51 percent of humidity.
While Canada had the majority of possession in the first half, Peru had the better chances, with Crepeau pulling off a sharp save to deny Piero Quispe, while Gianluca Lapadula had a goal ruled out for offside.
Canada forward Jonathan David is mobbed by his teammates after scoring in the second half
David is now only two goals behind teammate Cyle Lerin as Canada’s career scoring leader
The momentum swung in Canada’s favor after the break, as Peru defender Miguel Araujo was sent off following a VAR check for a studs-up tackle on winger Jacob Shaffelburg.
David scored after Cyle Larin made a long outlet pass to Shaffelburg, who crossed. David took two touches and beat goalkeeper Pedro Gallese from near the penalty spot, sending the ball in off the far post. David is two behind Larin, Canada’s career scoring leader.
His goal was also his 27th for Canada and the end of a 391-minute scoreless streak for the national team. Twenty-six of David’s goals have come in competitive matches.
Crepeau came to Canada’s rescue in stoppage time by twice denying efforts from substitute Paolo Guerrero as the North American side held on to seal their first-ever Copa America win and go level with Argentina, who play Chile in New Jersey later on Tuesday.
Peru’s Miguel Araujo was sent off in the 59′ for a studs-up challenge on Jacbo Shaffelburg
Canada and Argentina now lead Group A with three points each, while both Peru and Chile have a point respectively.
Canada were bottom of the group coming into Tuesday’s game after losing their opening match to Lionel Messi and Co. in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Reds will hope for a precious win against Chile on Saturday in Orlando, Florida, to secure qualification. Peru will also play that day against Argentina to booster its hopes to make it to the Copa America’s knockout stages.
Peru reached the tournament’s semifinals in 2021 before losing to Brazil. It had failed to score in nine of its last 12 matches.