Canada began their final push towards the 2026 World Cup next summer with a resounding 3-0 victory over Romania in Bucharest Friday.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch called the victory a “complete performance” following the match. And it would be difficult to argue against that opinion after his side condemned the 48th FIFA ranked nation to such a heavy home defeat.
Strong start from Canada
Canada began the match well, pressing the hosts from the start. And the visitors were soon rewarded for their early positive play.
Jonathan David scored his 37th international goal to opening the scoring in the 11th minute. The Juventus striker rose well to glance a header past Romanian keeper Horațiu Moldovan after a well-delivered free kick from Ali Ahmed from the right wing.
Loading ...And Canada doubled their lead 11 minutes later. This time Ahmed was the scorer. The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder capitalized on a dreadful error by Moldovan. The Romanian keeper was caught on the ball two metres from his goal line. And after a scramble Ahmed doubled the Canadian lead.
“We had a very good start to the match, getting the two goals,” said Canada’s Jesse Marsch. “But I thought also setting the tone with the way we wanted to play, making it difficult on Romania. I think that was really important.”
Second half stability
For the most part Canada kept their opponents at arms-length.
But Maxime Crepeau earned his clean sheet, when he was called into action in the 69th minute. The Portland Timbers keeper blocked a clever effort by Denis Drăguș when the forward found himself clear of any Canadian defender.
And soon after midfielder Niko Sigur completed Canada’s terrific performance in the 76th minute, slotting past Moldovan after a neat exchange with Tani Oluwaseyi on the edge of the Romanian penalty area.
“Second half I thought we maintained stability as well. And I thought the subs we made…really helped. The tactical changes were also helpful. So, a complete performance.”
Canada seeking international respect
Friday’s match was Canada’s first match since the disappointment of last summer’s Gold Cup quarterfinal elimination by Guatemala. And this performance was exactly the response Canada’s coach wanted to see form this squad.
“I think that we understand as the Canadian national team that we’re not on the (international) stage or a powerhouse that many people are taking seriously,” said Marsch. “But we know we have a good team.
“And specifically in the way we play, it really accesses the quality of our players. We’re very athletic, we’re very dynamic and we have a lot of players that are emerging on the international stage in both club and country. I think it’s a moment to appreciate what’s happening in Canada and with the Canadian national team.”
Canada next travel to Swansea to play Wales in another friendly Tuesday as they prepare to kickoff their World Cup in June next year.
