- Shaffelburg, David, Crepeau, and Bombito have been some of the highlights of Canada’s fantastic debut at CONMEBOL Copa América™.
- Canada faces Argentina on July 9th for a spot in the Final of the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™.
The Canadians have enjoyed a dream debut at CONMEBOL Copa América™, becoming only the third invitee team in history to make the Semifinal of the tournament on their first try. As Concacaf’s lone representative left in the competition, Canada will hope to make their confederation proud against the reigning champions, Argentina, on July 9.
Jesse Marsch’s team has had a large number of players burst onto the scene with impressive performances. Defender Alistair Johnston is tied for second in the competition in tackles (21) and his fullback partner Alphonso Davies is tied for fifth (16). The Canadians staunch backline and ability to break on the counter with their speed has helped them immensely this tournament, only surrendering three goals and keeping two shutouts. Meanwhile, their speed on offense has helped catch teams on the counterattack and create chances at a blistering pace.
Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David have been keys to the Canadian high intensity counter-attacks, especially counting on Shaffelburg’s speed to catch opponents off guard. Meanwhile Maxime Creapeu the goalkeeper has come up huge in goal for the Concacaf team while Moise Bombito’s massive performances have earned him looks from European clubs.
Learn more about how some of Canada’s standout players have performed at CONMEBOL Copa América 2024:
Jacob Shaffelburg
After coming off the bench the first two matches of the tournament, Shaffelburg has started the last two and his blistering pace helped Canada not only qualify for the Quarterfinals but reach the Semifinals as well. The winger from Nashville SC in MLS has created four big chances for his country and scored against Venezuela in the Quarterfinals. A key outlet for Canada when they look to counterattack, Shaffelburg will once again play a large role for his country against Argentina.
Jonathan David
Canada’s other goal scorer at the tournament, and the Canadian’s first ever CONMEBOL Copa América™ goal scorer when he scored the game winner against Peru in the Group Stage. David has established an impressive partnership with winger Shaffelburg who he combined with during the Nashville SC players goal against Venezuela. David himself has earned the eighth highest xG in the competition with 1.37, and will definitely be looking to add to his tally in the Semifinals. David plays his club soccer for Ligue 1 side Monaco.
Maxime Crépeau
The Major League Soccer shot stopper has established himself as one of the tournament’s best goalkeepers, churning out massive performances for Canada each match. Crépeau leads the competition in saves (16) and is tied for first with saves made from inside the box (12). The Portland Timbers’ goalkeeper also came up huge in the Quarterfinal shootout against Venezuela, where he made two saves to help his team earn their spot in the Semifinal.
Moise Bombito
Bombito has built a wall at the back for Canada alongside Derek Cornelius, his centerback partner, and the two outside backs Davies and Johnston. Bombito, who plays for the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, leads the competition in clearances (29) and is tied for sixth in interceptions (5). The 24-year-old’s play has been so impressive that reports have come out that top clubs in Europe have begun seeking out his services after the tournament. For now, however, Bombito is focused on his current task of keeping out Messi and company in the Semifinal.
