ConfedCup wrapped up in style as Canada claim third place.
Colombian Gabrio Victorero had the first chance of the game with about a minute gone when his shot was saved well by Angel Vang. A couple minutes later, Fabian Currie headed on to Perry Ferreira, who was fouled in the area by Enmanuel Torres: a clear penalty, and a sending off for the Colombian defender! Carlos Eldridge hit his penalty wide, but it wasn't long before an Eldridge cross found Fabian Currie, who sped forward before shooting. Cebrian Ecija should've saved, but got a weak touch on the shot, and the ball rolled in for Canada's first. With nearly a half hour gone, Donio Purrigimon, originally a defensive midfielder who had to play central defence after Torres' sending-off, fouled Eldridge brutally. He received a yellow card, and had to walk off injured, forcing Terrance Bryson into the game early. Currie hit the woodwork soon after, and Ferreira had a couple of good chances. Finally, in the 43rd minute, a long-range effort by Ferreira went over Ecija and in, and Canada went into the break holding a comfortable lead.
Originally the center forward, Pastor Aldeis had to move to defensive midfield after Torres was sent off to cover for Purrigimon, but did end up getting a shot, a dangerous long-range effort which forced Vang into a fine save. After Bryson and Ferreira both came close for Canada, Victorero hit the goal frame, and Rogelio Alvarado sent the rebound harmlessly over the bar, therefore missing an open net despite a reasonably tight angle. Canada put the game to bed with less than ten minutes left, Currie scoring his second of the game after controlling Bryson's cross and shooting into the top left corner. There was still time for Bryson and Ferreira to see their efforts saved by Ecija, and for Lapurdi Gota and Urtzi Caballeiro to both come close to a consolation, but 3-0 would be the final score. Colombia finish 4th; Canada finish 3rd! Meanwhile, in the final, China beat the USA 2-1...can anyone stop the Chinese?
A completely deserved win for Canada, as we were clearly better than our opponents. We fielded the 3-3-1-3 formation we used so often during the group stage. All from left to right: Sterling Howell, Cyrille McCullough, and Horacio Vachon played in defence, Bruno Manning, Julian Crosby, and Blake Thornton were found in defensive midfield, Shad Marcus was the lone attacking midfielder, and Currie, Ferreira, and Eldridge started in attack. Colombia fielded a 3-2-2-3 formation, with the attacking midfielders both in wide positions.
Again, this was a solid all-around performance from team Canada, and to choose a man of the match is difficult. Currie and Ferreira were both very lively in attack, but I'll go with a defender for this game, and one that was rock-solid throughout the tournament: Cyrille McCullough!
Besides the mentions of Purrigimon and Torres earlier in this article, Tiadoro Puertas also received a yellow for Colombia.
Canada were drawn in the tournament's only seven-team group, which helps explain why most of the tournament's top scorers played in group 1. Perry Ferreira finished as the top scorer of the competition with 22 goals, and Carlos Eldridge wasn't far behind with 18. No other Canadians made the top ten, but here is a list of the goalscorers during the tournament: Fabian Currie with 12, Terrance Bryson with 5, Shad Marcus with 3, and Joseph Authier with 1.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Canada 2-3 USA (AET): 2009 Senior ConfedCup
Canada crashes out: Magee golden goal sends the States into ecstasy and the Canucks into heartbreak.
The first real chance of the game came when Carlos Eldridge stole the ball from George Carr and shot from distance. It should have been an easy save for Rashad Bradshaw, but the ball ended up going in and Canada had a 1-0 lead! The Americans, who were poor up until then, responded well, and nearly equalised with another long-range effort, but Terence Cortes could only hit the post. Eldridge missed a great chance to go two goals up with a little over half an hour gone when his shot whizzed well over the bar, and Cortes hit the post again not long after a free kick of his went just wide. The Americans would finally get the equaliser they needed in the 43rd minute, but it was an ugly and very lucky one. After Angel Vang had saved Ross Ferguson's shot, Isidore Paige was about to clear, but because of some mix-up between him and his keeper, the defender accidentally ended up kicking the ball into his own net! A catastrophic turn of events, and so Canada would be heading into the break level with their rivals at 1-1, and still shocked about what just happened.
Early in the second half, Ferguson seemed like he could be in on goal before Sal Covington fouled him just outside the area. Covington received his second yellow of the tournament, meaning he would miss out on the final should Canada make it. His disappointment grew when Cortes, instead of shooting, made a decoy pass to Rey Judd, who quickly shot into the top corner just past Vang's right hand and in; the Americans were leading for the first time. The Americans then had another free kick in a dangerous position, and, this time, Cortes took it, forcing Vang into a fine save. It seemed everything was going the Americans' way, until a Covington free kick found Eldridge, who saw his header saved. However, the ball bounced right to a lurking Perry Ferreira, who equalised for Canada. Cortes and Collin McCain continued to keep Vang in action, and although the States had controlled most of the game thus far, Ferreira gave them a scare by hitting the bar with a 30-yard effort, and so did substitute Terrance Bryson when his shot was saved impressively by Bradshaw. From the resulting corner, the ball sailed over Bradshaw and ended up going all the way to Bryson, who had an open net. However, the striker was at a tight angle, and shot wide. When Bradshaw easily saved a Ferreira header, time had gone up. For the second year in a row, Canada had made it to the semi-finals and taken it to extra time. Though they'd lost in extra time in 2008 to Australia, they were hoping they could do the opposite in 2009.
Blake Thornton had the first chance, but his long-range shot was saved easily by Bradshaw. He kicked the ball down the field and it came to Burt Hatch, who had come on in place of Paige. If Paige had made a huge error, so did Hatch. He gave the ball away to McCain, and although there seemed to be no danger then, McCain then passed to Brock Magee who raced towards the penalty area. Cyrille McCullough tried to close him down, but Magee shot from the edge of the box just before his opposite #26 could reach him. The low shot went just inside the near post, and, with that, the game was over. Canada had lost in extra time again, and the Americans were into the final, where they would face *gulp* China.
The line-up was the same (4-1-2-1-2) than the one we played against Indonesia, except Thornton started in place of the suspended Fabian Currie. The USA played a 3-2-1-2-2, with the left attacking midfielder slightly more advanced than the right. Canada played well, and could have won it, but we, Bryson in particular, wasted our chances in the last 10 minutes. In the end, the Americans deserved to win, and hopefully they'll beat the dreaded Chinese in the final, but Canada is left to wonder what might have been.
The man of the match was probably Cortes for the Americans, but he received a yellow card in that game: his fourth of the tournament, which means he's suspended for the second time in the Confederations Cup! Marc Krause will also be unavailable for the final, with him getting his second yellow of the cup, while Lenny Justice and Dana Wilburn each received their first. Canada's only booking was Covington, who, of course, will miss the 3rd place match against Colombia.
Canada's best player was probably Paige...nah, just kidding. Eldridge had a good game, but Covington performed admirably despite the set-back of missing the final, and he's proven throughout the tournament that he deserves a firm place in the National Squad. So, he's Canada's man of the match!
The first real chance of the game came when Carlos Eldridge stole the ball from George Carr and shot from distance. It should have been an easy save for Rashad Bradshaw, but the ball ended up going in and Canada had a 1-0 lead! The Americans, who were poor up until then, responded well, and nearly equalised with another long-range effort, but Terence Cortes could only hit the post. Eldridge missed a great chance to go two goals up with a little over half an hour gone when his shot whizzed well over the bar, and Cortes hit the post again not long after a free kick of his went just wide. The Americans would finally get the equaliser they needed in the 43rd minute, but it was an ugly and very lucky one. After Angel Vang had saved Ross Ferguson's shot, Isidore Paige was about to clear, but because of some mix-up between him and his keeper, the defender accidentally ended up kicking the ball into his own net! A catastrophic turn of events, and so Canada would be heading into the break level with their rivals at 1-1, and still shocked about what just happened.
Early in the second half, Ferguson seemed like he could be in on goal before Sal Covington fouled him just outside the area. Covington received his second yellow of the tournament, meaning he would miss out on the final should Canada make it. His disappointment grew when Cortes, instead of shooting, made a decoy pass to Rey Judd, who quickly shot into the top corner just past Vang's right hand and in; the Americans were leading for the first time. The Americans then had another free kick in a dangerous position, and, this time, Cortes took it, forcing Vang into a fine save. It seemed everything was going the Americans' way, until a Covington free kick found Eldridge, who saw his header saved. However, the ball bounced right to a lurking Perry Ferreira, who equalised for Canada. Cortes and Collin McCain continued to keep Vang in action, and although the States had controlled most of the game thus far, Ferreira gave them a scare by hitting the bar with a 30-yard effort, and so did substitute Terrance Bryson when his shot was saved impressively by Bradshaw. From the resulting corner, the ball sailed over Bradshaw and ended up going all the way to Bryson, who had an open net. However, the striker was at a tight angle, and shot wide. When Bradshaw easily saved a Ferreira header, time had gone up. For the second year in a row, Canada had made it to the semi-finals and taken it to extra time. Though they'd lost in extra time in 2008 to Australia, they were hoping they could do the opposite in 2009.
Blake Thornton had the first chance, but his long-range shot was saved easily by Bradshaw. He kicked the ball down the field and it came to Burt Hatch, who had come on in place of Paige. If Paige had made a huge error, so did Hatch. He gave the ball away to McCain, and although there seemed to be no danger then, McCain then passed to Brock Magee who raced towards the penalty area. Cyrille McCullough tried to close him down, but Magee shot from the edge of the box just before his opposite #26 could reach him. The low shot went just inside the near post, and, with that, the game was over. Canada had lost in extra time again, and the Americans were into the final, where they would face *gulp* China.
The line-up was the same (4-1-2-1-2) than the one we played against Indonesia, except Thornton started in place of the suspended Fabian Currie. The USA played a 3-2-1-2-2, with the left attacking midfielder slightly more advanced than the right. Canada played well, and could have won it, but we, Bryson in particular, wasted our chances in the last 10 minutes. In the end, the Americans deserved to win, and hopefully they'll beat the dreaded Chinese in the final, but Canada is left to wonder what might have been.
The man of the match was probably Cortes for the Americans, but he received a yellow card in that game: his fourth of the tournament, which means he's suspended for the second time in the Confederations Cup! Marc Krause will also be unavailable for the final, with him getting his second yellow of the cup, while Lenny Justice and Dana Wilburn each received their first. Canada's only booking was Covington, who, of course, will miss the 3rd place match against Colombia.
Canada's best player was probably Paige...nah, just kidding. Eldridge had a good game, but Covington performed admirably despite the set-back of missing the final, and he's proven throughout the tournament that he deserves a firm place in the National Squad. So, he's Canada's man of the match!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Canada 7-0 Indonesia: 2009 Senior ConfedCup
Surely one of the most famous victories in Canadian NT history...Indonesia absolutely clobbered as Ferreira and Co. advance to the semi finals!
Just two minutes had gone, and Canada had the lead. Sal Covington's free kick found Perry Ferreira, whose header looped over Ando Budiawati and in. Canada continued to control the game, and it was no surprise when Carlos Eldridge took Ferreira's pass and scored with a low shot from long-range which Budiawati should have saved. Canada continued to attack, and Eldridge hit the post. Although it looked like the chance had gone, Ferreira stole the ball from defender Tono Ginting before he could clear and quickly shot at the net. Budiawati got a touch, but it wasn't enough as the ball trickled in for the third goal. Ferreira got a chance to score again eight minutes later, but the keeper saved. However, the ball rolled out to Eldridge, who scored on the half-empty net. Indonesia finally started looking a bit dangerous going forward shortly after that; Zulfikar Haryanto-Ie's shot was tipped around by Angel Vang, and the resulting corner forced two good blocks from the Canadian defenders. However, when Fabian Currie's clearance found Ferreira, the super striker sprinted towards the goal, and although Budiawati saved the first chance, the ball was still in play and Ferreira seemed to have an open net...until Ginting fouled him. The Indonesian was given a yellow card and Canada had a penalty. However, Eldridge's disappointing spot-kick was saved. Canada were not to be denied though: Eldridge's low cross found Ferreira on the edge of the box, who twisted and shot into the bottom right-hand corner for his hat trick. 5-0 Canada at half-time: unthinkable!
Amazingly, it got worse for the South-east Asians. Ferreira scored with a nearly identical goal to the first. With about fifteen minutes left, Covington intercepted a pass, put Ferreira through, and saw him score his fifth goal and Canada's seventh. Covington came close to scoring himself, but hit the woodwork, and Ferreira had an effort cleared off the line by Rexy Hans, but nothing was going to ruin the night for the Canadians. An unbelievable 7-0 win over a very respectable side in Indonesia...and Canada are in the semi-finals!
This was about as close to a perfect game as you can expect to see in MZ! Canada were faultless and Indonesia were the exact opposite...the result? Canada beat an evenly matched side by seven; incredible!
Both teams played 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield and the full-backs slightly more advanced than the center-backs. Cyrille McCullough was paired up with Isidore Paige in central defence, whilst Horacio Vachon played right-back and young Sterling Howell made his second-straight start, having a good game in the left-back position. Covington was the defensive midfielder, Shad Marcus, back from suspension was the attacking mid, and Currie and Julian Crosby played on the wings, with the latter on the left side and the former on the right. Ferreira (left side) and Eldridge (right side) started up front. Burt Hatch came off the bench to make his debut for the Canadian NT late in the second half.
Although there were no bad Canadian performances, Covington and Ferreira were particularly outstanding. For me though, the man of the match was the one who scored five goals: Perry Ferreira!
Fabian Currie was yellow-carded and will be suspended for the massive clash against the USA in the semi-finals. Quite a big blow considering how well he's played, but it will still be a very interesting and even game. Also cautioned were Covington and Crosby for Canada, and, for Indonesia, Ginting (as mentioned earlier), Seto Camaro, Tiar Panjaitan, and Johan Wabia.
Just two minutes had gone, and Canada had the lead. Sal Covington's free kick found Perry Ferreira, whose header looped over Ando Budiawati and in. Canada continued to control the game, and it was no surprise when Carlos Eldridge took Ferreira's pass and scored with a low shot from long-range which Budiawati should have saved. Canada continued to attack, and Eldridge hit the post. Although it looked like the chance had gone, Ferreira stole the ball from defender Tono Ginting before he could clear and quickly shot at the net. Budiawati got a touch, but it wasn't enough as the ball trickled in for the third goal. Ferreira got a chance to score again eight minutes later, but the keeper saved. However, the ball rolled out to Eldridge, who scored on the half-empty net. Indonesia finally started looking a bit dangerous going forward shortly after that; Zulfikar Haryanto-Ie's shot was tipped around by Angel Vang, and the resulting corner forced two good blocks from the Canadian defenders. However, when Fabian Currie's clearance found Ferreira, the super striker sprinted towards the goal, and although Budiawati saved the first chance, the ball was still in play and Ferreira seemed to have an open net...until Ginting fouled him. The Indonesian was given a yellow card and Canada had a penalty. However, Eldridge's disappointing spot-kick was saved. Canada were not to be denied though: Eldridge's low cross found Ferreira on the edge of the box, who twisted and shot into the bottom right-hand corner for his hat trick. 5-0 Canada at half-time: unthinkable!
Amazingly, it got worse for the South-east Asians. Ferreira scored with a nearly identical goal to the first. With about fifteen minutes left, Covington intercepted a pass, put Ferreira through, and saw him score his fifth goal and Canada's seventh. Covington came close to scoring himself, but hit the woodwork, and Ferreira had an effort cleared off the line by Rexy Hans, but nothing was going to ruin the night for the Canadians. An unbelievable 7-0 win over a very respectable side in Indonesia...and Canada are in the semi-finals!
This was about as close to a perfect game as you can expect to see in MZ! Canada were faultless and Indonesia were the exact opposite...the result? Canada beat an evenly matched side by seven; incredible!
Both teams played 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield and the full-backs slightly more advanced than the center-backs. Cyrille McCullough was paired up with Isidore Paige in central defence, whilst Horacio Vachon played right-back and young Sterling Howell made his second-straight start, having a good game in the left-back position. Covington was the defensive midfielder, Shad Marcus, back from suspension was the attacking mid, and Currie and Julian Crosby played on the wings, with the latter on the left side and the former on the right. Ferreira (left side) and Eldridge (right side) started up front. Burt Hatch came off the bench to make his debut for the Canadian NT late in the second half.
Although there were no bad Canadian performances, Covington and Ferreira were particularly outstanding. For me though, the man of the match was the one who scored five goals: Perry Ferreira!
Fabian Currie was yellow-carded and will be suspended for the massive clash against the USA in the semi-finals. Quite a big blow considering how well he's played, but it will still be a very interesting and even game. Also cautioned were Covington and Crosby for Canada, and, for Indonesia, Ginting (as mentioned earlier), Seto Camaro, Tiar Panjaitan, and Johan Wabia.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Canada 2-0 Brazil: 2009 Senior ConfedCup
A momentous win: Canada edges giants Brazil to reach the last eight!
Brazil started to attack immediately, and Vitor Miranda twice forced Angel Vang into a world-class save. Despite the South Americans dominating the first ten minutes, Canada slowly but surely got themselves back in the game, and with a half hour gone, they were the ones now in control. Despite Miranda (again) and Luis Fernando Leme both coming close for Brazil, it was Carlos Eldridge who scored the first goal in the 33rd minute with an unstoppable long-range effort. Perry Ferreira forced a double-save out of goalkeeper Doni Sa five minutes later, Fabian Currie came close soon after, and, for Brasil, Henrique Baptista saw his low drive brilliantly tipped around by Vang. 1-0 Canada was the score at half-time.
The second half began with few chances, as both teams tussled for the ball. Eventually, substitute Germain Rangel stole the ball from Fernando Leme, beat him and Anderson Miranda, and put Ferreira through on net with a perfect pass. The striker made no mistake by shooting into the roof of the net, and Canada were looking good for the upset. Substitute Leonardo Ferraz came desperately close for Brazil when Vang thwarted him on breakaway, and then saved his shot from a tight angle. It just wasn't their day; Canada advance to the quarter-finals where they will face Indonesia.
Admittedly, we got a bit lucky. Though the game was even, Brazil had the best chances, and we had Angel Vang to thank for a wonderful performance in net. Both teams fielded 3-3-1-3 (though Brazil's line-up was more of a 3-3-1-1-2) formations. Canada played Julian Crosby, and later Blake Thornton, in the attacking midfielder position in the absence of the suspended Shad Marcus, although neither of them saw much of the ball. The familiar strike force of Currie, Ferreira, and Eldridge took to the field again. Cyrille McCullough played in central defender, with Sterling Howell and Horacio Vachon playing on the side. Isidore Paige played in central defensive midfield, surrounded by fellow defensive mids Sal Covington and Bruno Manning.
It was a somewhat unfamiliar line-up, with Howell and Manning finally starting, but it did the trick. A solid performance overall, but without question, the man of the match was Angel Vang.
Currie was cautioned for Canada. Brazil received four yellow cards, and the players carded were: Baptista, Ferraz, De Cardoso, and Luis Gustavo de Mendonca.
Brazil started to attack immediately, and Vitor Miranda twice forced Angel Vang into a world-class save. Despite the South Americans dominating the first ten minutes, Canada slowly but surely got themselves back in the game, and with a half hour gone, they were the ones now in control. Despite Miranda (again) and Luis Fernando Leme both coming close for Brazil, it was Carlos Eldridge who scored the first goal in the 33rd minute with an unstoppable long-range effort. Perry Ferreira forced a double-save out of goalkeeper Doni Sa five minutes later, Fabian Currie came close soon after, and, for Brasil, Henrique Baptista saw his low drive brilliantly tipped around by Vang. 1-0 Canada was the score at half-time.
The second half began with few chances, as both teams tussled for the ball. Eventually, substitute Germain Rangel stole the ball from Fernando Leme, beat him and Anderson Miranda, and put Ferreira through on net with a perfect pass. The striker made no mistake by shooting into the roof of the net, and Canada were looking good for the upset. Substitute Leonardo Ferraz came desperately close for Brazil when Vang thwarted him on breakaway, and then saved his shot from a tight angle. It just wasn't their day; Canada advance to the quarter-finals where they will face Indonesia.
Admittedly, we got a bit lucky. Though the game was even, Brazil had the best chances, and we had Angel Vang to thank for a wonderful performance in net. Both teams fielded 3-3-1-3 (though Brazil's line-up was more of a 3-3-1-1-2) formations. Canada played Julian Crosby, and later Blake Thornton, in the attacking midfielder position in the absence of the suspended Shad Marcus, although neither of them saw much of the ball. The familiar strike force of Currie, Ferreira, and Eldridge took to the field again. Cyrille McCullough played in central defender, with Sterling Howell and Horacio Vachon playing on the side. Isidore Paige played in central defensive midfield, surrounded by fellow defensive mids Sal Covington and Bruno Manning.
It was a somewhat unfamiliar line-up, with Howell and Manning finally starting, but it did the trick. A solid performance overall, but without question, the man of the match was Angel Vang.
Currie was cautioned for Canada. Brazil received four yellow cards, and the players carded were: Baptista, Ferraz, De Cardoso, and Luis Gustavo de Mendonca.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Canada 9-1 Angola: Senior ConfedCup
A new-look Canada cruises to first place in group 1.
Carlos Eldridge had to wait nine minutes to score the first goal. He picked up the ball in his own half, sprinted towards the Angolan net, and beat Francis Cobb to give Canada the lead. Angola managed to test Angel Vang in the Canadian goal a few times, but either Eldridge or striker partner Perry Ferreira would've scored at least once if it wasn't for Cobb. Finally, Eldridge scored a goal almost identical to the one we had scored half an hour earlier, and Angola were trailing by two. Joseph Authier, making his first competitive appearance for Canada since the World Cup, saw his long-range effort go in; Cobb should have dealt with it. The floodgates were clearly wide open by now, and Eldridge got his hat trick on the brink of half-time.
The Africans, to Canada's great surprise, managed to get themselves on the score sheet, thanks to Ian Weeks' accurate twenty-yard effort in the 57th minute. However, Terrance Bryson, fresh off the bench, scored with his first touch of the game, a header which looped over Francis Cobb and in. Just four minutes later, he notched up his second, beating Cobb at his near post after an unselfish pass by Shad Marcus. He managed to record a hat trick in injury time, and this after Ferreira, who had been almost invisible thus far, scored in the 79th and 87th minutes.
So, Canada cap off the group stage with a 9-1 win with a very different line-up as opposed to the one we saw in previous games during the tournament. Mikexvi went with a 3-2-3-2, with Fabian Currie not starting or even making the subs bench! Ferreira and Eldridge were the two lone strikers, with Marcus playing as the central attacking midfielder. Authier and Sterling Manuel played on the wings, as Julian Crosby started in defensive midfield alongside Blake Thornton. Cyrille McCullough stayed in right defence as Horacio Vachon played on the left side and Denis Rodrigue replaced Valere Kendall in the centre. Angola, meanwhile, fielded a 4-3-3, with a diamond defence, and three midfielders all in attacking positions.
Ferreira certainly didn't have an exceptional game, but Eldridge was good, as were Authier and Manuel, both of whom we hadn't seen since the world cup. Marcus impressed me as well, as did Vang in net, but for me this was Terrance Bryson's day, and I'll give him the man of the match award.
There were three yellows in this game: one for Angola (Thom Milner), and two for Canada (Denis Rodrigue and Shad Marcus). Since that's Marcus' second yellow card of the tournament (he got one against Bolivia), it looks like he'll be suspended against Brazil in the round of 16! This would be a major blow as we will be short of one of our best players against one of the best teams in the tournament. You can never count Canada out at the Senior ConfedCup, but December 9th will be a very hard test as Canada plays Brazil in the first round of the knock-out stages.
Carlos Eldridge had to wait nine minutes to score the first goal. He picked up the ball in his own half, sprinted towards the Angolan net, and beat Francis Cobb to give Canada the lead. Angola managed to test Angel Vang in the Canadian goal a few times, but either Eldridge or striker partner Perry Ferreira would've scored at least once if it wasn't for Cobb. Finally, Eldridge scored a goal almost identical to the one we had scored half an hour earlier, and Angola were trailing by two. Joseph Authier, making his first competitive appearance for Canada since the World Cup, saw his long-range effort go in; Cobb should have dealt with it. The floodgates were clearly wide open by now, and Eldridge got his hat trick on the brink of half-time.
The Africans, to Canada's great surprise, managed to get themselves on the score sheet, thanks to Ian Weeks' accurate twenty-yard effort in the 57th minute. However, Terrance Bryson, fresh off the bench, scored with his first touch of the game, a header which looped over Francis Cobb and in. Just four minutes later, he notched up his second, beating Cobb at his near post after an unselfish pass by Shad Marcus. He managed to record a hat trick in injury time, and this after Ferreira, who had been almost invisible thus far, scored in the 79th and 87th minutes.
So, Canada cap off the group stage with a 9-1 win with a very different line-up as opposed to the one we saw in previous games during the tournament. Mikexvi went with a 3-2-3-2, with Fabian Currie not starting or even making the subs bench! Ferreira and Eldridge were the two lone strikers, with Marcus playing as the central attacking midfielder. Authier and Sterling Manuel played on the wings, as Julian Crosby started in defensive midfield alongside Blake Thornton. Cyrille McCullough stayed in right defence as Horacio Vachon played on the left side and Denis Rodrigue replaced Valere Kendall in the centre. Angola, meanwhile, fielded a 4-3-3, with a diamond defence, and three midfielders all in attacking positions.
Ferreira certainly didn't have an exceptional game, but Eldridge was good, as were Authier and Manuel, both of whom we hadn't seen since the world cup. Marcus impressed me as well, as did Vang in net, but for me this was Terrance Bryson's day, and I'll give him the man of the match award.
There were three yellows in this game: one for Angola (Thom Milner), and two for Canada (Denis Rodrigue and Shad Marcus). Since that's Marcus' second yellow card of the tournament (he got one against Bolivia), it looks like he'll be suspended against Brazil in the round of 16! This would be a major blow as we will be short of one of our best players against one of the best teams in the tournament. You can never count Canada out at the Senior ConfedCup, but December 9th will be a very hard test as Canada plays Brazil in the first round of the knock-out stages.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Canada 3-1 Bolivia: Senior ConfedCup
Canada advance from the group with one game in hand after a comfortable win against Bolivia.
This was without doubt our most important game during the group stage. Yet again, we came out flying, troubling the Bolivian defence very early on, but, this time, not scoring. Perry Ferreira hit the bar, and Santos Hernando caught Fabian Currie's rebound. The deadlock was short-lived, as Carlos Eldridge gave us the lead with a shot that Hernando should have done better with. Though Bolivia started to put pressure on the Canadian defence, Angel Vang was rarely troubled, and, soon, a long ball from Blake Thornton reached Currie, who sped towards the goal before beating Hernando and doubling Canada's lead. He nearly scored again almost immediately after, but instead the Bolivian crossbar was rattled for the second time in the game. Eventually, Seguinus Socorro became the first player to beat Vang in this year's confederations cup, and Bolivia continued to create chances. However, it was Canada who headed into the break with a deserved 2-1 lead.
They continued to threaten in the second half, and Ferreira nearly scored his first of the game on two occasions, first hitting the side netting, then seeing Hernando deflect his long-range effort onto the post. Bolivia also went close, but Vang did well to save shots from Socorro and Everardo Barbot. Finally, Terrance Bryson took Ferreira's pass, beat Jeronimo Vinegra, and raced towards the penalty area, before coolly sealing the win.
This game was probably of no surprise to many. Although Bolivia had their chances, and were miles better than any team we'd faced up to this point, Canada were comfortably the better team throughout the match, and 3-1 was a fair score.
Mikexvi again avoided any changes to the line-up, while Bolivia fielded a 4-3-3 (4-2-1-1-2). None of our strikers played particularly well, but the defence was impressive. Vang made quite a few saves, and McCullough was a rock. So, for me, the man of the match was: Cyrille McCullough.
So, Canada has now mathematically clinched a spot in the round of 16, with only one game left in the group stage (against Angola). Well done mikexvi, fyrewurx, and hope321!
Valere Kendall and Shad Marcus were both cautioned for Canada, whilst Bolivia's lone booking belonged to Bikendi Carmona.
This was without doubt our most important game during the group stage. Yet again, we came out flying, troubling the Bolivian defence very early on, but, this time, not scoring. Perry Ferreira hit the bar, and Santos Hernando caught Fabian Currie's rebound. The deadlock was short-lived, as Carlos Eldridge gave us the lead with a shot that Hernando should have done better with. Though Bolivia started to put pressure on the Canadian defence, Angel Vang was rarely troubled, and, soon, a long ball from Blake Thornton reached Currie, who sped towards the goal before beating Hernando and doubling Canada's lead. He nearly scored again almost immediately after, but instead the Bolivian crossbar was rattled for the second time in the game. Eventually, Seguinus Socorro became the first player to beat Vang in this year's confederations cup, and Bolivia continued to create chances. However, it was Canada who headed into the break with a deserved 2-1 lead.
They continued to threaten in the second half, and Ferreira nearly scored his first of the game on two occasions, first hitting the side netting, then seeing Hernando deflect his long-range effort onto the post. Bolivia also went close, but Vang did well to save shots from Socorro and Everardo Barbot. Finally, Terrance Bryson took Ferreira's pass, beat Jeronimo Vinegra, and raced towards the penalty area, before coolly sealing the win.
This game was probably of no surprise to many. Although Bolivia had their chances, and were miles better than any team we'd faced up to this point, Canada were comfortably the better team throughout the match, and 3-1 was a fair score.
Mikexvi again avoided any changes to the line-up, while Bolivia fielded a 4-3-3 (4-2-1-1-2). None of our strikers played particularly well, but the defence was impressive. Vang made quite a few saves, and McCullough was a rock. So, for me, the man of the match was: Cyrille McCullough.
So, Canada has now mathematically clinched a spot in the round of 16, with only one game left in the group stage (against Angola). Well done mikexvi, fyrewurx, and hope321!
Valere Kendall and Shad Marcus were both cautioned for Canada, whilst Bolivia's lone booking belonged to Bikendi Carmona.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Canada 11-0 Kazakhstan: 2009 Senior ConfedCup
Can we please have some competition? Canada obliterates Kazakhstan as Eldridge gets his act together.
Yet again, Canada only played a couple minutes before breaking the deadlock. This time, it was Fabian Currie who scored the first. Blake Thornton was unlucky to see his shot come back off the bar just a few minutes later, but Currie soon made it 2-0, and Perry Ferreira added another in the 24th minute to make it 3-0 after half an hour played. However, the Kazakhs went close to pulling one back when Andrey Bryukhov hit the bar after finding himself with plenty of time and space. After a corner that resulted soon after was cleared, Currie sent Carlos Eldridge through on breakaway, who didn't disappoint, making it 4-0 Canada. Eldridge scored another in the 42nd minute, and the score was 5-0 at half-time. Currie had a few good chances early in the second half, but it was Eldridge who made it 6-0, thus recording a hat trick, when his shot was mishandled by Aleksandr Kazakov and trickled in. Currie sealed a hat trick of his own three minutes later, before Eldridge scored his fourth and Canada's eighth with only about twenty minutes left. Ferreira scored number nine, and Terrance Bryson, for the first time so far in the tournament, got on the score sheet with a well-taken goal that ensured Canada had scored at least ten for the second game in a row. Finally, Currie scored with a long-range shot that seemed to go straight through Kazakov, and so the final score was 11-0 for Canada.
The Kazakhs played a 3-2-3-2 with a use wings style of play. They conceded a fair few throw-ins, but did manage to create a few chances which they couldn't finish. Their defence - which includes the goalkeeper - was poor, and allowed Canada to cake-walk their way through to goal after goal. Again, mikexvi did not change the line-up and formation that were used in the last two games.
Eldridge probably had his best game so far, and Currie again played well. Ferreira had an off-day, only finding the net twice, which is quite disappointing considering his previous performances. Germain Rangel had a stand-out performance himself in defence. Though he has not played many games for Canada up until now, he was solid breaking down attacks and starting them. He was not at all afraid to go forward! So, I'd say the man of the match award would be a tie between Rangel and Eldridge.
However, despite a dominating start, it's worth noting that all the teams we faced are puny. Bolivia will be our first (and perhaps only) true test of the group stages.
Yet again, Canada only played a couple minutes before breaking the deadlock. This time, it was Fabian Currie who scored the first. Blake Thornton was unlucky to see his shot come back off the bar just a few minutes later, but Currie soon made it 2-0, and Perry Ferreira added another in the 24th minute to make it 3-0 after half an hour played. However, the Kazakhs went close to pulling one back when Andrey Bryukhov hit the bar after finding himself with plenty of time and space. After a corner that resulted soon after was cleared, Currie sent Carlos Eldridge through on breakaway, who didn't disappoint, making it 4-0 Canada. Eldridge scored another in the 42nd minute, and the score was 5-0 at half-time. Currie had a few good chances early in the second half, but it was Eldridge who made it 6-0, thus recording a hat trick, when his shot was mishandled by Aleksandr Kazakov and trickled in. Currie sealed a hat trick of his own three minutes later, before Eldridge scored his fourth and Canada's eighth with only about twenty minutes left. Ferreira scored number nine, and Terrance Bryson, for the first time so far in the tournament, got on the score sheet with a well-taken goal that ensured Canada had scored at least ten for the second game in a row. Finally, Currie scored with a long-range shot that seemed to go straight through Kazakov, and so the final score was 11-0 for Canada.
The Kazakhs played a 3-2-3-2 with a use wings style of play. They conceded a fair few throw-ins, but did manage to create a few chances which they couldn't finish. Their defence - which includes the goalkeeper - was poor, and allowed Canada to cake-walk their way through to goal after goal. Again, mikexvi did not change the line-up and formation that were used in the last two games.
Eldridge probably had his best game so far, and Currie again played well. Ferreira had an off-day, only finding the net twice, which is quite disappointing considering his previous performances. Germain Rangel had a stand-out performance himself in defence. Though he has not played many games for Canada up until now, he was solid breaking down attacks and starting them. He was not at all afraid to go forward! So, I'd say the man of the match award would be a tie between Rangel and Eldridge.
However, despite a dominating start, it's worth noting that all the teams we faced are puny. Bolivia will be our first (and perhaps only) true test of the group stages.
Canada 10-0 Senegal: 2009 Senior ConfedCup
Canucks breeze their way to a third straight win in a double-digit destruction of Senegal.
Canada had the lead within two minutes, after Perry Ferreira brought down Fabian Currie's free kick, and scored his first of the game. He made it two in the 18th minute, and scored his hat trick in the 43rd with a stunning shot from well outside the 18-yard box. By that time, Carlos Eldridge had gotten one himself, and Fabian Currie beat Kristopher Barber - who really should have done better - from a very tight angle. Eldridge scored again just before half-time, after Ferreira found him unmarked. Fabian Currie made it 7-0 after 57 minutes, and Ferreira scored his fourth soon after. Currie sealed a hat trick of his own with ten minutes to go, but Eldridge finished with just two after being denied first by the post, and then twice by Barber. With the ninety minutes almost up, Perry Ferreira received the ball in the area, and was fouled by Craig Birchall. Not only was the Senegalese defender given a straight red card, but Canada had a penalty. Shad Marcus put the icing on the cake by successfully converting his spot-kick to make the final score 10-0.
A satisfactory performance if we remember how bad the team we were playing really is. Senegal fielded a strange 2-3-3-2 formation, while Canada went with the exact same 3-3-1-3 line-up that played against South Africa. Carlos Eldridge again didn't seem as good as he has often proven to be, and seeing substitute striker Terrance Bryson fail to score for the third straight game is worrying. Still, Ferreira shone yet again, and Currie had his best game so far. Naturally, there were no poor performances in midfield and at the back, but no stand-outs either. I'll give the man of the match award in this game to Fabian Currie.
Canada had the lead within two minutes, after Perry Ferreira brought down Fabian Currie's free kick, and scored his first of the game. He made it two in the 18th minute, and scored his hat trick in the 43rd with a stunning shot from well outside the 18-yard box. By that time, Carlos Eldridge had gotten one himself, and Fabian Currie beat Kristopher Barber - who really should have done better - from a very tight angle. Eldridge scored again just before half-time, after Ferreira found him unmarked. Fabian Currie made it 7-0 after 57 minutes, and Ferreira scored his fourth soon after. Currie sealed a hat trick of his own with ten minutes to go, but Eldridge finished with just two after being denied first by the post, and then twice by Barber. With the ninety minutes almost up, Perry Ferreira received the ball in the area, and was fouled by Craig Birchall. Not only was the Senegalese defender given a straight red card, but Canada had a penalty. Shad Marcus put the icing on the cake by successfully converting his spot-kick to make the final score 10-0.
A satisfactory performance if we remember how bad the team we were playing really is. Senegal fielded a strange 2-3-3-2 formation, while Canada went with the exact same 3-3-1-3 line-up that played against South Africa. Carlos Eldridge again didn't seem as good as he has often proven to be, and seeing substitute striker Terrance Bryson fail to score for the third straight game is worrying. Still, Ferreira shone yet again, and Currie had his best game so far. Naturally, there were no poor performances in midfield and at the back, but no stand-outs either. I'll give the man of the match award in this game to Fabian Currie.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Canada 7-0 South Africa: 2009 Senior ConfedCup
It's the Perry Ferreira show: center forward scores five, Eldridge adds two, and Angel Vang keeps clean sheet in another easy game for Canada
As expected, Canada were all over their opponents from the start. Against a strange and inefficient formation, the Canucks created quite a few chances, but Carlos Eldridge and Perry Ferreira in particular found themselves being thwarted by goalkeeper Hanile Thokozani. The South Africans held firm for just over half an hour, until Ferreira finally broke the deadlock when he scored on his own rebound after seeing Thokozani save his first shot. However, they could not find a second, and headed into the break leading by only one.
They seemed to return revitalised, as Ferreira scored again just a couple minutes in, after controlling Eldridge's cross from the right, and slotting past Thokozani. He only had to wait three more minutes to score his hat trick, when Thokozani deflected Fabian Currie's shot to Ferreira, who easily shot into the open net to make it 3-0 after 54 minutes. In the 58th minute, he scored again on a breakaway, and with just about an hour gone, Eldridge got in on the fun with a low strike from just outside the box. By now, the Canadians were scoring goals for fun whilst Thokozani was a shadow of what he had been in the first half. Ferreira scored his fifth in the 68th minute, and Eldridge made it seven in the 72nd. However, that was the last goal Canada scored, and so 7-0 was the final score. Blake Thornton received the game's only yellow card in the first half.
Canada were in complete control, with 72% posession and an 18-2 lead on SC's. They should have scored more against an awful formation (1-3-1-2-1-2: 3 stikers, two attaking midfielders on the wings, once central defender, three defensive midfielders/defenders, and a lone sweeper). Canada again went with a 3-3-1-3 with the same starters except in defence. Valère Kendall playing in central defence instead of Cyrille McCullough, who moved to the right, and Germain Rangel started on the left instead of Isidore Paige, who didn't even feature on the teamsheet.
The man of the match award is pretty straightforward. The defenders and midfielders had little to do, Currie was unimpressive in this game, and Eldridge was average. In the end, all you need to look at is who scored most of the goals: and Perry Ferreira was easily the best player on the pitch today.
As expected, Canada were all over their opponents from the start. Against a strange and inefficient formation, the Canucks created quite a few chances, but Carlos Eldridge and Perry Ferreira in particular found themselves being thwarted by goalkeeper Hanile Thokozani. The South Africans held firm for just over half an hour, until Ferreira finally broke the deadlock when he scored on his own rebound after seeing Thokozani save his first shot. However, they could not find a second, and headed into the break leading by only one.
They seemed to return revitalised, as Ferreira scored again just a couple minutes in, after controlling Eldridge's cross from the right, and slotting past Thokozani. He only had to wait three more minutes to score his hat trick, when Thokozani deflected Fabian Currie's shot to Ferreira, who easily shot into the open net to make it 3-0 after 54 minutes. In the 58th minute, he scored again on a breakaway, and with just about an hour gone, Eldridge got in on the fun with a low strike from just outside the box. By now, the Canadians were scoring goals for fun whilst Thokozani was a shadow of what he had been in the first half. Ferreira scored his fifth in the 68th minute, and Eldridge made it seven in the 72nd. However, that was the last goal Canada scored, and so 7-0 was the final score. Blake Thornton received the game's only yellow card in the first half.
Canada were in complete control, with 72% posession and an 18-2 lead on SC's. They should have scored more against an awful formation (1-3-1-2-1-2: 3 stikers, two attaking midfielders on the wings, once central defender, three defensive midfielders/defenders, and a lone sweeper). Canada again went with a 3-3-1-3 with the same starters except in defence. Valère Kendall playing in central defence instead of Cyrille McCullough, who moved to the right, and Germain Rangel started on the left instead of Isidore Paige, who didn't even feature on the teamsheet.
The man of the match award is pretty straightforward. The defenders and midfielders had little to do, Currie was unimpressive in this game, and Eldridge was average. In the end, all you need to look at is who scored most of the goals: and Perry Ferreira was easily the best player on the pitch today.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Canada 8-0 United Arab Emirates: 2009 Senior ConfedCup
Eldridge, Marcus, Ferreira, and Currie each score a pair as Canada cruise past the UAE.
Horacio Vachon was cautioned for Canada with barely a minute, but it wasn't long before Canada got their first chance to score...and did so, Carlos Eldridge's strike going in, although goalie Joshua Holbrook should've done better for the UAE. Holbrook was also to blame for the second goal, when Shad Marcus's long-range shot seemed to go right through the keeper! Canada continued to get shots on goal; Eldridge hit the post and Holbrook started making some saves. Eventually though, Eldridge scored his second, and it was only until late in the first half when the Middle Easterners started creating chances of their own, and Simon Blackwell did hit the bar. Still, Canada were cruising, and it was no surprise when Fabian Currie scored the fourth very early in the second half with a shot from the left edge of the box that sailed into the far corner, sparking a second half UAE demolition derby. Currie netted again just a few minutes later, holding off Sebastian Blake before slotting the ball past Holbrook. Eldridge then headed on a free kick to Perry Ferreira, who calmly made it six. Marcus again caught Holbrook by surprise with a low shot from way out, and, not long after, Ferreira did the same thing, capping off a disastrous night for the United Arab Emirates.
Even though mikexvi was visibly experimenting with different players, his team were dominant against a UAE side that was poor overall, but none more so than their goalkeeper Holbrook. Canada played a 3-3-1-3 against their opponents' 3-2-1-1-3.
Some of the appearances were surprising, namely Currie playing as a striker, but it seemed to work, granted against a very unimpressive side. Currie actually played well, as did Sal Covington in midfield and Cyrille McCullough as the central defender. Marcus and Eldridge, meanwhile, were a bit disappointing despite each netting twice: Marcus was invisible at times, and Eldridge often gave the ball away. I'll give the man of the match award to someone who I was actually surprised to see in the team in the first place, but proved he deserved it: Sal Covington!
Horacio Vachon was cautioned for Canada with barely a minute, but it wasn't long before Canada got their first chance to score...and did so, Carlos Eldridge's strike going in, although goalie Joshua Holbrook should've done better for the UAE. Holbrook was also to blame for the second goal, when Shad Marcus's long-range shot seemed to go right through the keeper! Canada continued to get shots on goal; Eldridge hit the post and Holbrook started making some saves. Eventually though, Eldridge scored his second, and it was only until late in the first half when the Middle Easterners started creating chances of their own, and Simon Blackwell did hit the bar. Still, Canada were cruising, and it was no surprise when Fabian Currie scored the fourth very early in the second half with a shot from the left edge of the box that sailed into the far corner, sparking a second half UAE demolition derby. Currie netted again just a few minutes later, holding off Sebastian Blake before slotting the ball past Holbrook. Eldridge then headed on a free kick to Perry Ferreira, who calmly made it six. Marcus again caught Holbrook by surprise with a low shot from way out, and, not long after, Ferreira did the same thing, capping off a disastrous night for the United Arab Emirates.
Even though mikexvi was visibly experimenting with different players, his team were dominant against a UAE side that was poor overall, but none more so than their goalkeeper Holbrook. Canada played a 3-3-1-3 against their opponents' 3-2-1-1-3.
Some of the appearances were surprising, namely Currie playing as a striker, but it seemed to work, granted against a very unimpressive side. Currie actually played well, as did Sal Covington in midfield and Cyrille McCullough as the central defender. Marcus and Eldridge, meanwhile, were a bit disappointing despite each netting twice: Marcus was invisible at times, and Eldridge often gave the ball away. I'll give the man of the match award to someone who I was actually surprised to see in the team in the first place, but proved he deserved it: Sal Covington!
2009 Senior ConfedCup Preview
After the disappointment of missing out on the U21 World Cup, Canada's NT staff shift their focus towards the senior squad, hoping that, for the third straight year, Canada can go far in the tournament.
In the inaugural event in 2007, Canada went all the way to the final, where they fell at the final hurdle, losing 6-2. Canada almost made it all the way there again in 2008, but despite going to extra time in their semi-final game, an Australian golden goal ended their journey.
Still, our senior squad is strong as always, and here's hoping for glory in the 2009 ConfedCup! Here's our group: Angola (shouldn't be a problem), Bolivia (definitely our toughest test, but we'll no doubt be the favourites), Kazakhstan (again, shouldn't be a problem), Senegal (the weakest team in a weak group), South Africa (almost as weak as Senegal), and the UAE (shocked the world by making it all the way to the U21 World Cup quarter-finals, but their senior team surely isn't as good. Will probably be the only team that could challenge Canada and Bolivia for the top two spots).
In the inaugural event in 2007, Canada went all the way to the final, where they fell at the final hurdle, losing 6-2. Canada almost made it all the way there again in 2008, but despite going to extra time in their semi-final game, an Australian golden goal ended their journey.
Still, our senior squad is strong as always, and here's hoping for glory in the 2009 ConfedCup! Here's our group: Angola (shouldn't be a problem), Bolivia (definitely our toughest test, but we'll no doubt be the favourites), Kazakhstan (again, shouldn't be a problem), Senegal (the weakest team in a weak group), South Africa (almost as weak as Senegal), and the UAE (shocked the world by making it all the way to the U21 World Cup quarter-finals, but their senior team surely isn't as good. Will probably be the only team that could challenge Canada and Bolivia for the top two spots).
Saturday, September 5, 2009
New blog!
Hey, this is moopaman, manager of Toronto Phoenix NB in ManagerZone soccer. I've just created a blog for the Canadian ManagerZone national soccer team! Why, you ask? Well, as you know, I've been reporting on the Canadian NT for a while now, but the article is usually a few days outdated by the time the zone goes out, and most of you already know about the stuff in it. So, I'm using a blog to keep the NT news fresh! I'll post new entries for every official game the NT and U21 NT plays, and also have info on what kind of players the U21 NT - as well as the senior NT - is looking for. There will also, hopefully, be polls and stuff, but we'll wait and see as I'm still learning how to use this site. Anyway, I hope lots of managers visit this site regularly, and read all about the latest happenings in the Canadian National Team!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)