Under a blazing Texas sky, the Canadian men’s soccer team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on Tuesday night, overcoming Cuba 4-2 in their decisive Gold Cup Group D match. The triumph catapults them into the quarterfinals, where they will face off against reigning Nations League champions and old foes, the United States.
Junior Hoilett got the ball rolling for the Canucks with a first-half penalty kick, after Ali Ahmed’s pinpoint pass into the area was intercepted by an opposing hand. Toronto FC star Jonathan Osorio then put Canada two up as Liam Fraser, Liam Millar and Lucas Cavallini combined to set him up for a classy finish.
With that, Les Rouges’ place in the knockout stages of the tournament was sealed. Now all eyes will be on Cincinnati as Cananda prepares to take on their archrivals in the rebooted Concacaf grudge match.
After a strong start, Canada endured a worrying period near halftime when Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United was penalized by referee Osorio for bringing down a Cuban attacker. Luis Paradela stepped up to calmly convert the penalty kick, equalizing the score at 1-1.
Fortunately, Canada managed to power ahead after the break with Jayden Nelson scoring his second CanMNT goal from Sandy Sanchez’s dropped ball. Shortly thereafter, Canadian FC Basel winger Scott Millar scored his first goal for Canada, securing a 4-1 lead via a headed corner. Even though Maykel Reyes slotted home Cuba’s second penalty kick in the 89th minute, it proved too late and Canada were able to secure an impressive 4-2 victory.