Canada advanced to the semifinals of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup with a 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Costa Rica in Dallas Sunday. This is Canada’s first Gold Cup semifinal since 2007.
“It’s just step by step, that’s the message,” said Canada head coach John Herdman following the game. “We’ve been focusing on one game at a time. I think there’s four matches we’ve played and we’ve deserved to win all four matches in the tournament so far.
Loading ...“We just managed Costa Rica in a way that was important for this team to show, number one, the tactical awareness. And number two, that brotherhood. Which you’ve seen that we’re pressing Costa Rica for almost 70 minutes. That’s not an easy thing to build.”
Eustáquio shines in quarterfinal
Junior Hoilet opened the scoring in the 18 minute, latching on to ball over the top by Stephen Eustáquio.
And Eustáquio doubled the lead in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a Costa Rican defensive error. It was the midfielder’s third goal of this Gold Cup.
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“It took a good two years to bring Stephen over to Canada,” said Herdman. “When you’ve played a Portugal Under-21s level, and played through all the levels in Portugal, you know you’re getting a good player.
“What that young man was clear on was he wanted to be a part of the vision, wanted to be a part of something special in changing something in Canada.
“That’s what motivates him and you see that in his play. This guy, the intensity he plays at. The desire. The passion. I think he embodies everything we want this football country to be, moving forward.”
Canada next faces Mexico
The Canadians next face Concacaf powerhouse Mexico in the semifinals in Houston Thursday.
“I was really happy tonight,” said Herdman. “But as I keep saying, we keep our feet on the ground.We take it game by game. And get ready for the next part of the tournament, which is a semifinal, first time since 2007.
“I’m proud fo these boys tonight. That was a big step. And hopefully we can take another one.”
