- Canada’s match on Thursday night was the team’s first ever appearance in CONMEBOL Copa América™.
- The Canadians created plenty of chances but ultimately fell short, losing 2-0 to the defending champs in the opening match of the tournament.
Canada Head Coach, Jesse Marsch, had plenty to be proud of following his team’s CONMEBOL Copa América™ debut on Thursday.
The Canadians opened the tournament against defending champions Argentina on the first day of the competition and held their ground for most of the match. Going into halftime, both teams had traded chances and Canada could’ve been seen to be the better side. However, goals from Julian Alverez and Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory for La Albiceleste.
"I thought we had a good performance and especially when we were able to execute our tactical plan,” Marsch told Joshua Kloke of the Athletic following the match.
“We made it very difficult on Argentina and really could have had some goals. We could have had the lead."
According to Opta, Canada took seven shots in the first half, the most by a team against Argentina going into half time since November 2021.
“We’re performing better than I had hoped but we’re making more simple mistakes than I hoped,” said Marsch.
"I'm not too concerned about not finishing. I know that over time when you get those kinds of quality chances that you're going to score enough goals and we have enough quality on the pitch.”
Marsch and Canada will look to rebound against Peru on Tuesday at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.
