Jesse Marsch believes CanMNT is 'ready for bigger challenges' after Peru win | VAMOS! Presented by Degree
New Canadian men's national team head coach Jesse Marsch celebrated a first taste of victory on Tuesday as Canada defeated Peru in the second group stage match of the 2024 Copa America.
Despite playing in heated temperatures in Kansas City and surviving a physical battle against their foes, Marsch and his players came out on top and savoured the moment – and its significance as Canada's first win in a major international tournament outside the Concacaf Gold Cup.
"I look at the result and I know that the guys are excited to make history," Marsch said after the match. “But I look at it more as the situation that the team was in. It was hot. It wasn't easy."
Added goal-scorer Jonathan David: "I think playing well is always important, but I think winning is the most important thing. It doesn't really matter how you do it. You can see the little details that you have to improve next game, but ultimately, winning is the most important."
Jonathan Daaaaavid 🤩 pic.twitter.com/IR2BXNtL4g
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ ENG (@copaamerica_ENG) June 26, 2024
That prospect of making history – of collecting Canada’s first-ever points at Copa America, or any tournament of this caliber – was what Marsch used to build the motivation needed to ultimately overcome a brutal 90 minutes of football.
"We talked about wanting to make a big statement, to make history to show that we're ready for bigger challenges," he explained. "And we responded in the second half in a really good way. I thought the subs we made, that all three players came on and helped the match."
He added: "Peru started pushing us and I said to [the team] at half time, we were in a difficult match and we knew that. But the key so far was that we were bending but not breaking."
One standout on the night? Jacob Shaffelburg, who added a sorely-needed spark to Canada’s progressing play – and the game-winning assist.
"For the guys who played full 90’s, I don’t know how they did it," Shaffelburg smiled, through a flushed face. "I felt like I played three games after one half!"
Ultimately, Marsch was not terribly happy that the match had been played in these conditions.
"Obviously, you see that it affects everybody," he said, in reference to assistant referee Humberto Panjoj, who passed out and collapsed on the field near the end of the first half. "So I think that was a poor decision. I think possibly also playing 5:00 matches in places like Kansas City is not ideal."
Peru national team head Jorge Fossati was NOT happy with Canada’s physicality against his side 👀
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) June 26, 2024
𝙑𝘼𝙈𝙊𝙎! Presented by @Degree#CanMNT pic.twitter.com/CksERfYlzo
Much of the coverage leading up to the match revolved around Peru manager Jorge Fossati’s expecting a ‘physical’ duel against an intense Canadian side. If that was an attempt to lay the groundwork for an equally physical Peruvian reply, then it certainly backfired. Marcos Lopez was extremely fortunate to escape without a red card after headbutting Alistair Johnston in the second half. Centre-back Miguel Araujo was not so fortunate, when he was sent off for a poor two-footed challenge on Shaffelburg.
Marsch was proud that his team wasn't drawn into that fateful fist fight.
“With the savviness of Peru, with the experience of Peru, to manage all of the game appropriately and keep our discipline, not cross the line, not put ourselves in jeopardy of bad cards, bad fouls,” Marsch said. "It showed a level of maturity – it challenged our maturity and to see them respond and succeed, I'm really pleased for them and really proud of them."
Added Shaffelburg: "It was a very beautiful moment, honestly. Just seeing the relief on everyone’s face. Just getting that victory."
Canada’s match against Chile on Saturday will be their last of the group stage, and too, will determine whether they can snag a spot in the knockout stage. You can catch our extended coverage of the CanMNT at the 2024 Copa America through our daily show, VAMOS! Presented by Degree.
