CANADA KICKS A BEAUTY VS. COSTA RICA
The Canadian men's national soccer team may be on to something special.
Having played mainly lower-tier opponents for the better part of the past two years, Canada took on its first real test Sunday and looked impressive in a 2-0 victory against Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Costa Rica is considered one of the best teams in the region and have qualified for four FIFA World Cup tournaments since its first appearance in 1990. By comparison, Canada has not qualified for the World Cup since its only appearance in 1986.
Regardless, it was Canada who dominated in the quarter-final, posting its most impressive win since coach John Herdman took over the men's program in 2018.
“It's step by step, I think that's the key message; we've been focusing on one game at a time,” Herdman said. “The four matches we've played, I think we've deserved to win all four matches that we've played in the tournament so far, and I think (Sunday), I thought we took a step by ensuring we kept a clean sheet (shutout), and we managed Costa Rica in a way that was important for this team to show their tactical awareness and that brotherhood.
“You saw them press Costa
Rica for almost 70-plus minutes and that's not an easy thing to build the mentality to do that, and the bravery to commit that every man was going to be on the front foot.”
Junior Hoilett and Stephen Eustaquio scored for Canada, who will play Mexico in the semifinal at NRG Stadium in Houston on Thursday.
Canada controlled play from the onset, dominating possession and posting 13 attempts on net to five for Costa Rica — hitting the target on five occasions. Costa Rica didn't have a single attempt hit the net.
“We set some big goals that we wanted to accomplish with this program after we brought in a really good group of players together,” said midfielder Mark-anthony Kaye. “At the beginning of the tournament, we knew this was going to be an important game for us and I'm glad everyone came onto the field and committed to the game plan, committed to each other and played well.
“Obviously, it's a good moment for us and now we're on to the next one in the semifinals against Mexico.”
The final score actually flattered Costa Rica, who would have lost by more had it not been for the play of goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado.
Canada went into the game without forwards Cyle Larin and Ayo Akinola, who were injured in the final group game a week ago, a 1-0 loss to the United States.
Canada was also without rising stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, who were injured before the tournament and unavailable to play.
Regardless, Canada's depth was on display against Costa Rica.
Hoilett scored 18 minutes into the game, getting to a long ball played over the top by Eustaquio and lofting it over Alvarado to give Canada a 1-0 lead.
Eustaquio, who was suspended for the game against the United States for picking up two yellow cards in the first two games, pulled the strings in midfield all game long for Canada.
Born in Leamington, Ont., Eustaquio, 24, grew up in Portugal and plays his club soccer for Pacos Ferreira in the Portuguese premier division. He committed to playing for Canada a little over a year ago and made an immediate impact with the team at the Gold Cup.
Eustaquio was the best player on the field against Costa Rica, which is saying a lot considered how well the rest of the team played in the contest.
“It took a good two years to bring Stephen over to Canada,” Herdman said. “When you've played at the Portugal under-21 level and played through all the youth national levels in Portugal, you know you're getting a good player.
“He was clear that he wanted to be part of the vision, he wanted to be part of something special in changing something in Canada. He potentially could have stayed and found his way into that Portuguese national team, but he has a chance to be among a group of men in Canada that can change the country forever, and that's what motivates him and you see that in his play.”
In the second half, Canada kept the foot on the pedal and was by far the better team, again creating a number of quality chances.
Eustaquio broke through in the 69th minute as a ball bounced to him inside the penalty area and he poked it past Alvarado to give Canada a 2-0 lead.
Canada will go into the semifinal without centre back Steven Vitoria and striker Lucas Cavallini, who both picked up their second yellow cards of the tournament and will be suspended for the next game.