Ismaël Koné sends Canada to the Copa América semifinals in their FIRST-ever appearance in the tournament. 🇨🇦

Let that sink in. Such an incredible moment for the sport in this country.

Absolutely speechless. pic.twitter.com/v2zCDvbLsr

— Canadian Soccer Talk (@CANFutbolTalk) July 6, 2024

Canada’s remarkable journey to the Copa America semifinals has sent shockwaves through the football world, marking a historic achievement for the North American nation.

The Canadians, ranked 48th globally, have defied all expectations in their debut Copa America appearance, securing a spot in the final four of South America’s prestigious tournament.Jesse Marsch’s side clinched their semifinal berth with a heart-stopping penalty shootout victory over Venezuela, following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Jacob Shaffelburg opening the scoring for Canada in the 13th minute, only for Venezuela to equalize through Salomón Rondón in the 64th minute.The penalty shootout was a nail-biting affair, with both teams trading misses and successes. It was ultimately Ismaël Koné who sealed the deal for Canada, coolly slotting home the winning penalty after goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau made a crucial save.

Crépeau’s heroics in the shootout were particularly noteworthy, as he made three vital saves to keep Canada’s dreams alive.This semifinal appearance is nothing short of miraculous for a Canadian side that has historically struggled to make an impact on the international stage. To put this achievement into perspective, Canada has only qualified for the FIFA World Cup once in their history, back in 1986. Their run in the Copa America, which includes a win against Peru and a draw with Chile in the group stage, showcases the rapid progress of Canadian football.The Canadians now face their toughest test yet as they prepare to take on world champions Argentina in the semifinals.

This match will be a rematch of their group stage encounter, which Argentina won 2-0. However, given Canada’s resilience and fighting spirit throughout the tournament, they cannot be underestimated.Canada’s success in the Copa America is not just a fleeting moment of glory; it represents a significant milestone in the development of the sport in the country. With the 2026 World Cup set to be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, this performance serves as a timely boost to football’s profile in the Great White North.

As they prepare to face Lionel Messi and his star-studded Argentine side at MetLife Stadium, Canada stands on the brink of what would be one of the greatest upsets in football history. Regardless of the outcome, their journey to the Copa America semifinals is a testament to the growing strength of Canadian football and a source of immense pride for the nation.