A classic David versus Goliath scenario will play out Tuesday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey when the Canadian national men’s soccer team will try to punch its ticket to the Copa America final.
Standing in Canada’s way is world number one-ranked Argentina, which earlier defeated Canada 2-0 in qualifying play. Canada rebounded from that tournament opening loss with 1-0 win over Peru and a 0-0 draw with Chile. In the knockout round, Canada stunned Venezuela, drawing 1-1 in regulation time before winning via penalty kicks.
Longtime local soccer fan Neil Morton, who was instrumental in bringing the Electric City Football Club to Peterborough, says despite that earlier game result, 48th ranked Canada has a chance to pull off a huge upset.
Morton says, whatever the final result, the semi-final match will mark a “seminal’ moment in Canadian soccer history, growing the sport’s popularity in the process.
As for Canada’s game plan versus Argentina, Morton sums it up in one word – attack.
Kick-off Tuesday night at MetLife Stadium is 8 p.m. with the winning team facing either Uruguay or Ecuador in the final this coming Sunday.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
