Venezuela 1(3)-1(4) Canada: Marsch's Men Go Marching On

Canada have taken advantage of their Copa América debut, beating Venezuela on penalties to advance to the semi-finals for a rematch against Argentina. They have surprised everyone and now have a great chance of making it to the final. I analyse their performances so far and what the future holds for the Canucks.

Les Rouges Hold Their Nerve

A quarter-final matchup against undefeated Venezuela was not going to be easy for Canada. Their opponents topped their group with maximum points and were clicking in all departments. Venezuela vs Canada proved to be an extremely exciting match with both teams going end to end in a basketball style of match, a dream for the neutrals.

To highlight the extent of the velocity of the game, both teams combined to have 31 attempts on goal, 20 fouls, 10 corners, 31 crosses and 8 counter-attacks. Additionally, it was surprising Canada didn't win the game in normal time, piling up 4 big chances that weren't taken during the match.

Jacob Shaffelburg opened the scoring in the 13th minute, following a determined run down the line by Jonathan David. Canada were in dreamland, yet failed to capitalise on some big moments to extend their lead.

Consequently, Venezuela captain Salomón Rondón scored an outrageous lob in the 64th minute, beating the near flawless Crépeau in goal. Rondón continues to step up for his country, extending his tally to 3 for the competition, 1 behind the omnipresent Lautaro Martínez.

The game veered into extra time and then penalties with neither side able to capitalise on chances. Both teams followed each other in the shootout. Both scored, then missed the target, converted, then saved. It was ridiculous how the shootout was panning out. However, Wilker Ángel's saved penalty by Crépeau was followed by Ismaël Koné sending Canada to the semi-finals, a tremendous feat for a relatively new nation to football.

Sheer elation for the Canadians as they now look forward to getting their revenge on Argentina following a 2-0 loss in the tournament opener. Argentina only just edged past a threatening Ecuador on penalties, so Les Rouges will fancy their chances of causing an upset as underdogs.

Jesse Marsch: Frantic Football and Passionate Personality

Having managed Leeds between 2022-2023, I'm familiar with Marsch and his fast-paced brand of football. An experienced manager across the globe in the MLS, Bundesliga, A-Bundesliga and internationally, Marsch has been combating the prejudice towards American coaches; that they actually can coach football.

There is a whole list of American coaches who have failed outside of their homeland or haven't left it. Bob Bradley had a horrendous stint at Swansea City. David Wagner, part German part American, has had more success, helping Huddersfield to Premier League promotion in 2017 and is now managing Norwich who were close to promotion this season. In recent times, there has not been many Americans making a name for themselves outside of the USA.

Yet, Marsch has crafted Canada into a motivated underdog. Following his appointment in May 2024, Marsch has constantly strived to improve the national side. Pre-tournament friendlies against The Netherlands (4-0) and France (0-0) gave the American much to think about in a short amount of time before the Copa América kicked off.

His play style is fearless and frantic, aiming to set up as an intense pressing unit, seeking to win the ball quickly, initiating fast turnovers on devastating counterattacks. His teams look to overload the opposition's defence, not giving them any time to set up.

He learnt much of his philosophy from his time under Ralf Rangnick at the Red Bull setups (Salzburg and Leipzig). Rangnick, who's Austria adopted the high intensity pressing approach, has had great success during his career when he has the right personnel.

Marsch's time at Leeds was not an easy one. Yes, he avoided relegation in his first season, but his failure to adapt his tactics to then toughest league in the world. and a transfer approach focused on unproven, mostly American talent, stifled his potential.

The American has certainly learnt his lessons from Leeds and has found the right balance in the Canadian fold. The personnel suit his play style with the likes of David, Davies, Larin, Laryea and Shaffelburg attacking with pace and ferocity. It was noticeable against Argentina when Canada turned the ball over in their own half and instantly threatened Argentina's goal on the counter, finishing proving to be the issue.

A Maple Syrup Covered Fairytale

The Canucks have surprised routine Copa participants this tournament. In their opener, despite losing 2-0 to Argentina, Canada posed a threat on the counter and were close to grabbing a goal on a few occasions.

Against Peru, they mustered up a mature and disciplined performance, David's 74th minute winner proving enough to keep out the Peruvians who would not rest during the match.

Their qualification decider against tournament veterans Chile saw them edge their way into the quarter-finals thanks to a 0-0 draw, sending the Canadians through on goal difference in second place in the group. Although they faced an out of form and 10-man Chile side, the Canadians remained dogged during the match.

Holding their nerve against Venezuela, Les Rouges continue to set the bar for Canadian national football. Argentina will be wary of the Canadians threat on the counter from their group stage game. El Albiceleste will also recognise the Canadians will play without fear as underdogs, a title they relish. The semi-final will be an enticing affair for sure.

Bragging Rights Over Neighbours

The USA's shock exit in the group stages has certainly opened up an opportunity for Canada to claim the bragging rights of which country is better at football.

On paper, many tipped the USA to easily progress to the quarter-finals in second place after Uruguay, particularly with Bolivia and Panama seeming like routine wins for the Americans. Yet, the national team failed to advance. After an easy 2-0 win over Bolivia, the USA lost their discipline against Panama and Uruguay in defeats, sending them out of the competition.

Arguably, Canada were much more up against it in their group and have showed the USA that there is a new dominant force in the Northern hemisphere of The Americas. Indeed, the US have been near regular participants in global tournaments for several years now but since their World Cup return in 2022, Canada have been demonstrating they have what it takes to challenge the USA for top spot.

Although the USA hold multiple Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nation League trophies, a Canadian win against tournament favourites Argentina would cause a major upset. The fallout could be tremendous, rubbing salt in the wounds of their American neighbours, especially if they can win La Copa at the first time of asking. Moreover, La Copa is the toughest tournament to win in The Americas, of which neither country has won as of yet. All eyes are on Canada on Wednesday!