ORLANDO – Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he and his club are “not happy” with their start to the tournament, despite qualifying for the quarterfinals at the Copa América for the first time.
The Canadians were content with a 0-0 draw against Chile on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, ensuring they finished second – behind the Argentinians – in Group A thanks to a 4-point haul,
On Friday in Arlington, Texas, they will face Group B top-ranked Venezuela for a spot in the semifinals, having beaten Jamaica 3-0 to secure top spot.
“We are not satisfied. The group is not satisfied. The guys want to extend (their journey), Marsch insisted during his post-match press briefing.
“They know, no matter who their next opponents are, it’s going to be a tough game. But they believe in themselves… We’re excited to take on this next challenge.”
Chilean defender Gabriel Suazo was sent off in the 27th minute against Canada, giving Marsch’s men a prolonged man advantage. But the clash remained close despite everything.
The only real Canadian moment of celebration came when reserve Tani Oluwaseyi scored in stoppage time, but his goal was ruled out due to offside.
“I want to challenge them to grow and improve, to become more prepared, more mature professionals,” Marsch said. “They’ve impressed so far, since the first practice. I enjoy being their coach. I’m proud of this accomplishment. But again, we’re not satisfied.”
In the curtain-raiser of the tournament, Canada was shut out 2-0 by Argentina. Five days later, on June 20, they beat Peru 1-0.
“I anticipated that we were going to come out of this group, I really anticipated it,” Marsch insisted. I knew it wouldn’t be relaxing. I was trying to prepare the team for the tactical intelligence of South American clubs. We must understand what this competitive fiber specific to the nations of South America is made of. We have grown in this regard, and not only on a sporting level. Also from the point of view of maturity. »
Marsch was named to the helm of the Canadian selection last May. He has not managed a team since leaving Premier League side Leeds in February 2023.
“When I accepted this job, I knew the group,” he emphasized on Saturday. I was aware of the task ahead of us. But we played five games, and blanked our rivals in eight of the ten halves we played. »
