Sometimes, even a goal from almost half-court is not enough. Former WBA, Newcastle, and Everton player José Salomón Rondón scored an absolute screamer from more than 50 meters, but his national team still couldn’t reach their second-ever Copa América semi-final. Instead, the debutant and the guest team from CONCACAF, Canada, advance to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina.🚨🇻🇪 GOAL | Canada 1-1 Venezuela | Salomon RondonWHAT A GOAL! 😳pic.twitter.com/PluSpLPAwz— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) July 6, 2024 The match was full of chances and energy, with both teams showing their immense desire to reach the top four teams in the tournament. Namely, there were as many as 15 attempts only in the first half, whereas, after the final whistle, Canada had 17 and Venezuela 14 shots. The debutant took the lead in the 13th minute through Jacob Shaffelburg after Lille’s Jonathan David’s assist.Shaffelburg goal for Canada 1-0 in Copa America quarterfinals pic.twitter.com/wmn3ZICUge— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) July 6, 2024 However, the Canadians didn’t stop there and continued attacking. They failed to score from their opportunities and were punished when Rondón sent an absolute bomb from very long range and lobbed the Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau in the 65th minute. This goal gave an energy boost to the Wine-Red, who kept on pressuring the opponent, but the match eventually ended in a draw, which seemed the most fair result.Given that there is no extra time at Copa América, the penalties were to decide the semi-finalist. Yangel Herrera, Jefferson Savarino, and Wilker Ángel missed from the spot for Venezuela, while Crépeau turned out to be Canada’s hero, saving two penalties. Marseille midfielder Ismaël Koné netted the last penalty kick and launched his team to the next round.It’s much easier being Messi when you have Dibu to save you from troubleFormer Leeds and RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch and his squad will have the toughest possible task in the semis since Argentina awaits. This will be the second duel between the two teams in the tournament, given that they were in the same group. Argentina won the group stage clash 2-0 thanks to Julián Álvarez’s and Lautaro Martínez’s goals. Nevertheless, Canada showed that it could cope with the strongest sides and spring surprises, and it would certainly hope for another one, especially when the grand final is at stake.COPA AMERICA – KNOCKOUT STAGEFridayArgentina – Ecuador 4-2 on pen (1-1)/Lisandro Martinez 35 – Rodriguez 90+1/SaturdayVenezuela – Canada 3-4 on pen (1-1)/Rondon 65 – Shaffelburg 13/Sunday00.55: (1.33) Colombia (5.00) Panama (10.0)04.00: (2.85) Uruguay (3.15) Brazil (2.60)***odds are subject to change***
