Canada lost 2-1 to Mexico in the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals in Houston Thursday.
Hector Herrera’s goal late in time-added-on advanced the Mexicans to the final to play the United States. Earlier, Orbelin Pineda gave Mexico the lead in first-half injury time, before Tajon Buchanan equalized in the 57th minute.
But Canada’s coach was pleased with his squad, despite the final result.
“We played with no fear tonight,” said Canada head coach John Herdman following the game. “We had a clear game plan and that spirit and fight for each other. When it is there, it is special and I think you saw that tonight and that Canadian grit and resilience, but, also more and that is what we wanted to show tonight, that we can play, and we can go toe to toe with the best in Concacaf.”
Loading ...This was Canada’s first appearance in the Gold Cup semifinals since 2007. And head coach John Herdman believes the previous month’s success is only the start, as the Canadians will now focus on 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifying that begins in September.
“It has been a special tournament for these guys and there is a deep connection that runs through this group and that moment is going to set them up for the future and that is a foundation laid. There was a belief that they were going to give everything out there for each other and they did, and I am absolutely proud.”
