Canadian player Jonathan David (left) hits the ball to score against Peru during the Copa America 2024 Group A match in Kansas City, United States, Wednesday (6/26/2024) WIB. Canada won with a score of 1-0.
KANSAS, WEDNESDAY — Forward Jonathan David’s goal gave Canada a 1-0 win over Peru in the second Copa America Group A match Wednesday (6/26/2024) at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas, United States. It was Canada’s first victory as a tournament debutant in a tough match with a red card for Peru and hot weather that caused the line referee to collapse.
This victory improved the situation for Canada, who had already lost 0-2 to Argentina, world champion and defending champion. On the Peruvian side, the situation worsened because they had already drawn 0-0 against Chile, champion of the Chilean edition 2015 and champion of the American edition Centenario 2016. Under the pressure of a less than good start, Canada and Peru faced each other in a difficult duel.
In the 34th minute, striker Gianluca Lapadula scored a goal for Peru. However, the goal was disallowed due to the player’s position. off-side. Six minutes later, an incident occurred following a violent tackle by Peru’s Marcos Lopez. The Canadian players protested, so referee Mario Escobar checked with the video assistant referee (VAR), which allowed Lopez to avoid issuing a card.
In the first minute of stoppage time, Lapadula nearly scored a goal for Peru with a rebounded volley. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau’s position did not change, but the kick proved off target. The game continued for about two minutes until suddenly linesman Humberto Panjoj collapsed to the side of the pitch. The game was delayed for five minutes due to the treatment of Panjoj, who collapsed, apparently due to temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius.
Peruvian player Gianluca Lapadula (C) dribbles the ball while being followed by Canadian players Derek Cornelius (L) and Alistair Johnston (R) during the 2024 Copa America Group A match in Kansas City, the United States, Wednesday (26/6/2024) WIB. Canada won with a score of 1-0.
When Panjoj went down, Canada prepared for a free kick into the Peru box. Seeing Panjoj collapse, Crépeau ran and shouted to get Escobar’s attention. Free kick delayed for Panjoj’s handling. The linesman was carried on a stretcher to the side of the field and attended to by the medical team.
The intensity of the match was reflected in seven fouls by Canada and nine fouls by Peru in the first half, without a goal. A Canadian player received a yellow card in the first half.
The second half was a difficult one. In the 56th minute, Escobar showed a yellow card to Miguel Araujo (Peru) who made a dangerous tackle. The decision sparked strong protests from Canada and Peru was forced to make a big fuss. Escobar decided to check with the VAR.
After three minutes of checking and receiving information from the VAR, Escobar rescinded Araujo’s yellow card, but replaced it with a red card. Araujo’s tackle was considered horrible and very dangerous for the Canadian player.
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Peruvian player Miguel Araujo (left) tackles Canadian player Jacob Shaffelburg during the Copa America 2024 Group A match in Kansas City, United States, Wednesday (26/6/2024) WIB. Araujo received a red card for the foul. Canada won with a score of 1-0.
In the 74th minute, Canada broke the deadlock with a goal from Jonathan David off an assist from Jacob Schaffelburg. Goals come from counter-attacking schemes.
Canada nearly doubled its lead thanks to Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi’s brilliant play in the 88th minute. After beating the Peruvian defender and taking on goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, Oluwaseyi’s shot went wide.
Peru had a chance to respond in added time in the 92nd minute through Christian Cueva. However, the shot from outside the left side of the Canadian penalty box was blocked by Crépeau, who made four saves throughout the match.
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