Copa America: Canada Vie for Unfamiliar Territory Against Venezuela

Venezuela vs Canada

It’s been a dream tournament so far for Les Rouges.

Despite scoring a single goal throughout the group stages, they have somehow managed to advance to their first ever Copa America quarter-final—in their tournament debut, no less.

Standing in their way of extending this run are Group B winners, Venezuela.

Unlike their CONCACAF opponents, La Vinotinto has been here before. They have the edge in experience over the younger Canada and look to spoil the party up north.

 

Talking Points

Everything to gain for Canada

Supporters of Canada have been happy campers in this tournament. Had you asked them if they believed their team could make it this far, and they said yes, then I have a beachfront suite in the Sahara I’d like to sell you.

Being grouped with Argentina, Chile, and Peru, the Copa America 2024 odds had them as heavy underdogs to make it through the next round.

They were up against tougher and more physical players that all have experienced making a deep run in the tournament; Argentina won the tournament 15 times whilst both Chile and Peru were two-time winners as well.

And with a relatively younger squad—and a new coach not even three months in—the hopes were for them to gain valuable experience as a group in order to attain some sort of culture for the team.

But as things stand, they now have made history and look dead-set for more.

From here on out, every win is marked in the history books for Canada. They have already achieved something special, and could very well seek more.

Aside from making their country proud, Jesse Marsch’s squad could finally put CONCACAF in the tournament’s winning circle.

Mexico, the federation’s most successful team, have been runners-up twice and have reached the knockout stages on all but two occasions.

 

A point to prove for Venezuela

If it was a surprise to many that Canada advanced, then to some, it was also quite surprising when Venezuela dominated Group B.

Winning all three games and keeping a couple of clean sheets, Venezuela was a force to be reckoned with in the group stages.

Led in front by Salomon Rondon and Eduard Bello with two goals apiece, La Vinotinto are tied with Panama and Colombia with six goals—tied for second with Uruguay the only team with more.

Their goalkeeper, Rafael Romo, was also outstanding in the group stages and has in his Copa America 2024 highlights reel the only penalty kick saved so far.

Playing with a purple patch as of late, Fernando Batista hopes of sending Venezuela to a second appearance in the semi-finals.

If they triumph against Canada, they would be welcomed by either Argentina or Ecuador.

 

History

Canada and Venezuela do not face each other often. In fact, they have only played each other twice.

The first was in 2007, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The other, in 2010, was also a draw.

The upcoming game will also be the first time these two will meet in a competitive setting, with all their previous meetings being international friendlies.

 

Betting Tip

Canada had difficulties finding the back of the net during the group stages.  And with the confirmation that Inter midfielder Tajon Buchanan suffered a major injury in practice, their lives just got a lot harder.

Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David would look to steer them in the right direction up-front, whilst Maxime Crepeau needs to be at his best as he faces the goalscoring barrage of Venezuela.

For Venezuela, scoring won’t be a problem. Their defence and midfield also held steady throughout their matches. However, they should be wary that Canada is quick and would capitalise on errors.

Peru learned of this the hard way when they lost possession in Canada’s final third and were blitzed by a quick breakaway on the other end, leading to the Maple Leaf’s only goal in the game and tournament. 

At the end of the day, Venezuela is the more composed and consistent team. They have more ways to win and have more weapons at their disposal. Canada’s chances, despite what the odds say, are slim. It won’t be a cakewalk, but rest assured, Venezuela advances. SBOTOP has them as slight favourites at 2.43, while Canada is priced at 2.95. You may be tempted to put a tenner on Canada for a slightly higher return, but you’re just throwing money away.

   

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