Suazo’s Red Card Leaves Chile Struggling
In a crucial Copa America 2024 match Canada secured a spot in the quarterfinals with a 0-0 draw against Chile at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
The turning point came in the 27th minute when Chile’s Gabriel Suazo received a red card. Suazo was sent off after a second yellow card for pushing Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea leaving Chile with ten players for the rest of the game.
Suazo’s first yellow card was issued in the 11th minute for a tackle on Laryea. Despite Suazo’s best efforts to plead his case, the referee sent him off.
This mirrored an earlier match where Canada capitalized on a red card. In their win over Peru, Peruvian defender Miguel Araujo was sent off in the 59th minute after tackling Canadian winger Jacob Shaffelburg. Canada took advantage of being a man up with Jonathan David scoring in the 74th minute. They did the same against Chile on Saturday night.
Canada Takes Advantage of Numerical Superiority
Despite being a man-up, Canada couldn’t find the back of the net. They had several close chances including Alistair Johnston’s header in the 17th minute and Stephen Eustáquio’s shot saved by Chilean goalkeeper Gabriel Arias in the 42nd minute.
Alexis Sánchez created a late chance for Chile but Maxime Crépeau’s save ensured the match ended 0-0. This result along with Argentina’s win over Peru allowed Canada to advance as the second-place team in Group A.
ALSO READ: Canada vs Chile Player Ratings: Gabriel Suazo Receives Red Card as Match Ends in Draw