Canada beat Venezuela live updates (2024)

Canada have beaten Venezuela in a penalty shootout to reach the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America, where they will clash with reigning champions Argentina for a second time this summer.

With the two sides level after five spot kicks each, Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau kept out Wilker Angel’s effort before Ismael Kone converted the winning penalty to seal a 4-3 shootout win.

Canada had earlier taken the lead in the match when Jacob Shaffelburg poked home a Jonathan David cross. But Venezuela found the leveler after the break when Salomon Rondon scored an audacious 40-yard lob, punishing Crepeau for straying too far from his line.

Canada prevailed on penalties, however, and they will now face Argentina for a second time after the defending champions defeated them 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament.

Plenty of our readers, Canada supporters and otherwise, were overjoyed to see Canada pull off this win, taking to our discussion page to share their reactions.

Mary F.: CANADA! Y'all have this dejected and disgruntled US supporter's total support.

Thomas B.: Congratulations Canada! I genuinely mean that. Y’all have been super fun to follow from afar these past few years. Now I dare you to go win the damn thing.

Giselle G.: Crepeau redeemed himself.

Raihan K.: Canada soccer is ahead of USMNT at the moment

Canada and Argentina's semifinal meeting will be a rematch of Copa America's opening game, which saw the defending champions run out 2-0 winners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 20.

Argentina dominated the first half in that game but didn't break through until Julian Alvarez scored in the 49th minute, with Lautaro Martinez adding their second two minutes from full time to seal the win. Lionel Messi had several big chances to score but failed to take them, missing some and seeing some denied by Maxime Crepeau.

In a reflection of their overall dominance in that match, Argentina finished with an advantage in expected goals of 3.02 to 1.16.

Heartbreak for Venezuela. They felt the hand of destiny on their shoulder during this Copa America and would have so dearly loved to have reached the semifinals for the second time in their history.

They must now digest this and refocus on their main aim: qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which would be their first appearance at that tournament.

Maxime Crépeau was at fault for Venezuela's equalizer in the second half, caught in no man's land as Salomón Rondón chipped over him from midfield.

But he's redeemed himself here, making a crucial save on Wilker Ángel's penalty to give Ismaël Koné the opportunity to clinch the win.

Kone scores to clinch the win for Canada!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
• Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅

Crepeau guesses the right way and stops Angel's effort! Canada can win this with their next kick!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
• Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅

Davies scores with aplomb and we head into a sixth round!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅
• Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅

Cadiz coolly rolls the ball into the corner and Venezuela are in front!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅
• Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌

Canada have to score this next one or Venezuela win!

Eustaquio's tame effort is saved by Romo and we're back on level terms!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
• Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌

Savarino hits the post and Canada have the advantage again! Crepeau looked like he got a piece of that strike!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
• Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅

Bombito stutters and sends Romo the wrong way, coolly rolling the ball into the opposite corner, all with a laser pointing in his face!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅
• Canada: ✅ ❌ ✅

Crepeau gets close but Rincon powers his shot home!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌ ✅
• Canada: ✅ ❌

Millar sends his kick well over the bar and we're back on level pegging!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌
• Canada: ✅ ❌

Crepeau guesses the wrong way but Herrera completely misses the target!

• Venezuela: ✅ ❌
• Canada: ✅

Romo guesses the right way and nearly gets there but David's shot still beats him!

• Venezuela: ✅
• Canada: ✅