Canada earns first-ever Copa America win over Peru

It was a historic night for Canada’s men’s national soccer team in Kansas City.

After a hard-fought 2-0 loss against Argentina in the country’s first-ever Copa America game last week, Canada rebounded with a 1-0 win over Peru on Tuesday.

WE SECURE OUR FIRST EVER COPA AMÉRICA VICTORY!!! #CANMNT #NoFearAllFight pic.twitter.com/TAHmqVH9N1

— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) June 26, 2024

It puts Canada in second place in the group heading into the country’s final round robin game against Chile on Saturday, but more importantly it was the country’s first win in history at Copa America.

“We talked about wanting to make a big statement, wanting to make history, and wanting to show we were ready for bigger challenges,” said Canadian coach Jesse Marsch after the win.

Not only was it Canada’s first-ever win at Copa America, it was Marsch’s first win as head coach of the national team after getting the job last month.

Jonathan David scored the lone goal for Canada on Tuesday, his 27th tally for his country in his 50th international cap.

It came in the 74th minute while Peru was playing with 10 men after Miguel Araujo was given a red card in the 59th minute for a studs-up tackle on Jacob Shaffelburg.

CANADA GETS THEIR FIRST OF THE GAME, AND FIRST UNDER JESSE MARSCH!

Jonathan David gives them the lead! #CA2024 pic.twitter.com/bajg6pjGwo

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 25, 2024

Canada then had several chances to put the game away while up a man, but failed to convert and allowed Peru to press for the equalizer until the final moments.

Despite their disadvantage, the South American country came close to levelling the game and Maxime Crépeau had to make a couple of big saves late to preserve the victory.

After two games, Argentina leads Group A with six points, Canada sits in second with three points and Peru and Chile bring up the rear with a point apiece.

A win against Chile on Saturday will guarantee Canada a spot in the knockout round, while a draw could do the same as long as Peru doesn’t beat Argentina.

A loss, however, would see Chile or Peru advancing over Canada, depending on the result from the other match.

Here’s how things shape up in Group A prior to tonight’s Chile/Argentina match. #CANMNT #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/VDYN5OryDF

— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) June 26, 2024

_{Thumbnail photo courtesy of Getty Images.}