It would be tough to beat the theatre that occurred between Canada and Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday. The opening match at Copa America 2024 was filled with drama both on and off the pitch, hinting at more lip-smacking action to come.
On Tuesday, Group A gameplay continues, with Canada taking on the Peruvians in a must-win match for both sides. The team that fails to earn points are in serious contention of bowing out of the tournament early.
From Peru’s physicality and defensive prowess to Canada’s feistiness and inability to give up, fans will surely be treated to yet another exciting display. Read on for everything you need to know about the do-or-die game, including key statistics, tactical analyses and predicted lineups.
Quick hits
• Canada vs. Peru kicks off on June 25 at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT at Sporting Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Park.
• Canada opened Group A with a 2-0 defeat to Argentina, while Peru held Chile to a 0-0 draw.
• Canada enters the match with zero points and a -2 goal differential, while Peru has with one point and no goals for or against.
• Peru is hoping for an 11th straight trip to the knockouts, looking to redeem itself after losing to Brazil in the final of the 2019 tournament.
• Canada is also chasing a trip to the next round in its debut appearance at Copa America.
Canada: Lessons from last time out
The world was watching on June 20 as Canada took on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Copa America’s opening match. Despite losing 2-0 in Atlanta, the game wasn’t a blowout by any means. Jesse Marsch’s squad paid no mind to the naysayers who predicted a thrashing, and instead plowed through the task at hand. Marsch called for his players to be fearless, and boy, did they deliver. This mentality must be replicated against Peru on Tuesday; if Canada doesn't claim points, it’ll be tough to get out of the group.
The first half was particularly mesmerizing for Les Rouges. Despite a few slip ups, the Canadians did well to contain Argentina’s show-stopping offence and get a few shots on goal itself. However, things unravelled in the second 45, when the North Americans fell victim to a Julián Álvarez tap-in. The best chance of an equalizer came courtesy of a silky Stephen Eustáquio cross, which was wasted by an unmarked Jonathan David. Open net opportunities are rare against most teams, not just the world No. 1. It goes without saying, but Canada must work on finishing chances when they arise. To win a game, you have to score, after all.
Near the end of the match, a Messi through ball set up Lautaro Martínez, who calmly slotted home Argentina’s second and put to bed any possibility of a Canada equalizer. It was a game of many chances, and if luck was on Canada’s side, the scoreline could have been much different. But again, luck doesn’t win games. Next time out, Canada must start with relentless attack, an aggressive press, and stay locked in the entire 90 minutes. Additionally, the game is likely to be won in the midfield, as Peru typically plays with five across. If Canada can break down Peru's physical midfield, it's only left with three defenders to beat.
Thursday’s match was also one of controversy, as Lionel Scaloni’s squad returned late from the halftime break. In the post-game press conference, Marsch assumed Argentina were taking the extra time to discuss tactics, and called for the team to be fined. Adding to the list is a possible foul on newly dubbed “Maritime Messi” Jacob Shaffelburg, which did not see justice. In the 70th minute, Shaffelburg was taken down by Lisandro Martínez on the edge of the box. It was probably rightly determined no penalty, but not awarding a free kick was debatable.
While it would be easy for the Canadians to give in to the frustration, it must instead be used as fuel. While soccer is a game won on the pitch, it’s surprising how much emotions come into play. Remaining level headed and going into Tuesday’s match with a clean slate is the best course of action.
Peru: Back to the drawing board
On Friday, Peru missed a big opportunity to claim vital points in its Copa America quarterfinal qualification run over Chile. The draw further reflected both teams’ struggles in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, where they have jointly recorded only four goals in 12 matches.
Chile came out swinging, with Alexis Sánchez missing a golden opportunity in the 16th minute. Lucky for Peru, that would become the best chance of the match. The rest of it was quite boring, in truth, other than 41-year-old Chilean keeper Claudio Bravo showing off his acrobatic and age-defying skills to retain the stalemate.
Peru began its first Group A match more defensively, on the back foot, and was rarely in danger. Despite only having 35 per cent possession, the highlight for Jorge Fossati would be his side’s solidity on the backline and ability to keep a clean sheet. With the draw, Los Incas extended its unbeaten run to six games, which it’ll look to continue against Canada on Tuesday. But will parking the bus be enough against a Canadian squad with something to prove?
Like Canada, Peru also has a goalscoring problem. But where the teams differ is that Canada are more sporadic, while Peru is more physical. This could lead to a low-scoring, high-fouling game underlined by scrappiness. If Peru wants a shot at the next round, it’ll have to be comfortable with a higher press and pouncing on loose Canadian balls, versus sitting back and letting the action unfold. Things won’t be good for Peru if it doesn’t take points off Les Rouges, knowing Argentina awaits in Matchday 3.
Cagliari’s Gianluca Lapadula is the most logical player to step up for the South Americans. In Serie A this past season, he played in 23 games and recorded three goals and one assist. Known for accurate passing and an ability to weave through defenders, the striker knows what it’s like to play against high quality players like Alphonso Davies. This experience will prove vital if Fossati’s side chooses to implement a more offensive structure. Additionally, his leadership will be necessary as it’s unclear if Peru’s captain, Luis Advincula, will be fit to play after suffering an injury against Chile.
Predicted starting lineups
Canada (4-4-2)
Crépeau – Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies – Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar – David, Larin.
Peru (3-5-2)
Gallese – Araujo, Zambrano, Callens – Polo, Pena, Cartagena, Quispe, López – Lapadula, Flores.
