The Canadian men’s national soccer team stood shoulder to shoulder with one of South America’s heavyweights Tuesday night when they held 13-ranked Columbia to a gritty 0-0 draw in an international friendly at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
It was a result that spoke both to the team’s tremendous progress under head coach Jesse Marsch and the growing ambition of a squad that is determined to shed its underdog label.
“I think it was a good performance, not a great performance. I felt like most of the game we were in fourth or fifth gear and we could have really pushed ourselves into sixth gear,” said Marsch. “We are the type of team that can play in these games, be better in these games and win these games.”
Loading ...While the fans in the stands might have come to check out some big Columbian names in Luis Diaz and World Cup superstar James Rodriguez, it was Canada’s collective grit and tactical discipline that drew the most attention.
Reds find their footing after early pressure
The Canadians began the match in fiery fashion, attacking relentlessly on the left flank.
Left back Richie Laryea and Ali Ahmed – fresh after lifting the Canadian Championship title with the Vancouver Whitecaps – combined well to break the lines and trouble Columbia. And while Ismael Kone had a slow start, by the 20th minute Canada began to truly find its stride.
Tajon Buchanan provided the spark in the 28th minute when he nearly broke the deadlock for the Les Rouges with his thunderous strike from distance.
The move, which started after forward Tani Oluwaseyi won possession high up the pitch, led to Columbian goalkeeper Alvaro Montero parrying the ball after reacting a bit late. It was the first and best chance for either team in a cautious opening half.
Canada’s defense was just as impressive as Marsch’s back line limited Columbia to no shots in the first half. Center back Luc de Fougerolles, who’s only 20 years old, looked calm beyond his years beside partner Derek Cornelius.
By half time, Canada had proven they could match Columbia both physically and tactically.
Resilient Canada stand tall against Columbia
The introduction of 2014 FIFA World Cup star Rodriguez after the break lifted the atmosphere in the stadium. However, it did little to tilt the balance in Columbia’s favour.
Buchanan – who plays his club football for La Liga side Villarreal – remained relentless on the right wing as he darted behind defenders and combined neatly with fullback Niko Sigur.
Sigur delivered a mature and assertive performance himself after his costly mistake had caused Canada the match during Friday’s 1-0 loss to Australia.
When the South Americans finally carved out a chance, Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair responded with authority. In the 55th minute, Diaz found himself clean through but the Minnesota United keeper raced off his line to narrow the angle and force a crucial miss.
Canada then seized control and refused to budge. For a 20-minute spell midway through the second half, the North Americans looked the more likely team to score.
Forward Jonathan David thought that he had provided the breakthrough in the 76th minute when he smashed home a goal following a clever header from teammate Jacob Shaffelburg. However, the celebrations were muted as the goal was ruled offside soon after.
As Columbia poured forward in the closing minutes, Canada’s defensive resilience was tested once again. Columbian substitute Kevin Serna headed wide from close range in the 88th minute just before Laryea’s last-ditch tackle in stoppage time preserved the draw.
As the Canadians make their final push towards next year’s World Cup on home soil, this draw against a world-class opposition shows that the Reds truly belong on the grand stage.
And while scoring chances were few overall, the intensity, structure, and belief tonight made coach Marsch happy and offered a glimpse into the American’s imprint on the team.
“I’m happy with the progress. And I just want to keep seeing them reward themselves with a little bit more quality in important moments,” said Marsch.
