Canada Beats TT 2-0 in Copa America Play-In Match

Trinidad and Tobago’s dream of qualifying for the 2024 Copa America came to an end in Frisco, Texas, as the Tsawwassen were defeated 2-0 by Canada in a crucial winner-takes-all match. Canada’s Cyle Larin broke the deadlock in the 61st minute and Jacob Staffelburg compounded Trinidad and Tobago’s misery with a second goal in stoppage time, securing Canada’s first-ever participation in the South American Championship.

For the first hour, Trinidad and Tobago held Canada – who had competed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup – to a goalless draw. However, once the first goal was scored, Trinidad and Tobago struggled to find an equalizer. The Maple Leafs dominated the encounter, with 25 shots on goal compared to Trinidad and Tobago’s six and controlled 59% of the possession.

Canada will now progress to Group A of the 2024 Copa America. Arguably, their most challenging test awaits in their first match of the tournament as they face Argentina, the team led by football heavyweight Lionel Messi. Argentina are the defending champions, having famously defeated Brazil at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro in July 2021, thanks to a goal by Angel Di Maria.

In other matches, Costa Rica is slated to clash with Honduras for a spot in the Championship later on the same Saturday. Meanwhile, the USA, Panama, Jamaica, Mexico, and now Canada have already secured their places in the Copa America tournament.

This turning point in the match and subsequently, the tournament, marks a significant milestone for Canadian football while dashing the dreams of Trinidad and Tobago’s for its 2024 Copa America aspirations.