Peru and Canada will both be aiming for three points to aid their Copa America 2024 progress.
Matchday 2 at the 2024 Copa America kicks off with tournament debutants Canada seeking their first points of the competition against Peru on Tuesday at Children’s Mercy Park. In their opening match, Peru held Chile to a 0-0 draw, while Canada suffered a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions Argentina.
Peru managed to hold their ground against Chile, securing a goalless draw despite being on the back foot for much of the game. Jorge Fossati’s side had only 35% possession but were defensively solid, allowing just a single shot on target. Peru have shown impressive defensive form, not conceding in their previous two Copa America group fixtures dating back to 2021. This draw extended their unbeaten run to six in all competitions, marking points in four consecutive group games at this tournament.
While not the most prolific South American side in terms of goals, Peru have maintained their consistency in scoring. They have not been held off the scoresheet in consecutive games since last September. Additionally, they have won their last four encounters against CONCACAF opponents and have not lost to a team from that region since September 2022, when they fell to Mexico.
Despite losing 2-0 to Argentina, Canada showed resilience and had several opportunities to challenge the world champions. According to Opta, Canada took seven shots in the first half, the most against Argentina in an opening 45 minutes since November 2021. This was their first defeat on American soil in normal time since the 2022/23 CONCACAF Nations League final against the USA.
Under Jesse Marsch, Canada have shown significant improvement. Following a 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands, they managed a 0-0 draw against World Cup runners-up France and kept Argentina scoreless in the first half of their Copa America opener.
The 10 combined goals they conceded in their previous six competitive fixtures were all in the second half, highlighting their need to maintain defensive focus throughout the match. Offensively, Canada has struggled to score in the opening 45 minutes, managing only two first-half goals since their Gold Cup defeat to the USA on penalties last July.
Canada has only beaten a CONMEBOL opponent once this century, defeating Colombia in the 2000 Gold Cup final. Their only previous meeting with Peru ended in a 2-0 defeat in 2012. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this clash.
Team News & Tactics
Peru
Peru might be missing Luis Advincula, who sustained an apparent Achilles injury in their opener and was replaced by Marcos Lopez after 35 minutes. The potential absence of Advincula could impact their defensive stability.
Additionally, three-time Copa America Golden Boot winner and record Peruvian goalscorer Paolo Guerrero needs one more strike to match the late Teodoro Fernandez for the most all-time goals with Los Blancos in this competition (15).
Peru have little to no concerns apart from Advincula and will hope to secure all three points against Canada. They are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation with Pedro Gallese in goal. He should be protected by the back three of Alexander Callens, Carlos Zambrano, and Miguel Araujo.
Andy Polo and Marcos Lopez should act as the full-backs, with the trio of Sergio Pena, Wilder Cartagena, and Piero Quispe forming the haymaker in the middle of the pitch. Peru can be expected to drop to a 5-3-2 while defending. Gianluca Lapadula and Edison Flores should lead the line upfront.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Gallese; Callens, Zambrano, Araujo; Polo, Pena, Cartagena, Quispe, Lopez; Lapadula, Flores
Canada
Despite losing 2-0 to Argentina, Canada showed resilience and had several opportunities to challenge the world champions. Under Jesse Marsch, Canada have shown significant improvement. Following a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands, they managed a 0-0 draw against World Cup runners-up France and kept Argentina scoreless in the first half of their Copa America opener.
After missing most of the domestic campaign through injury, Richie Laryea has featured in the last two matches for Canada, collecting his 50th cap in the defeat to Argentina. Jonathan David is poised to reach the same milestone on Tuesday, adding further motivation for the Canadian side.
Marsch is expected to line his side up in a 4-4-2 formation with Maxime Crepeau in goal. He is expected to be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustaquio and Ismael Kone should hold the fort in central midfield, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker while also aiming to find the back of the net. Cyle Larin should partner him up front, with Tajon Buchanan and Liam Millar providing the width.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; David, Larin
Key Stats
- Peru and Canada have played each other just twice before, with both sides winning one game apiece.
- Canada took seven shots in the opening half vs Argentina in their first game, the most for any side against Argentina after 45 minutes since November 2021.
- Canada have only beaten a CONMEBOL opponent once this century, defeating Colombia in the 2000 Gold Cup final.
- Cyle Larin can emerge as Canada’s eighth-highest goalscorer should he find the back of the net on the night.
Player to Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille star is Canada’s beating heart in attack and will once again be the player to watch for Canada. David is expected to make a move this summer and a strong showing in the Copa America 2024 tournament will make that task easier.
The versatile attacker possesses pace and power and has the ability to run into space and stretch the opposition defences This should give Canada a massive edge in a must-win game for the North Americans.
Prediction
Peru 1-2 Canada
Peru will aim to continue their strong defensive form and secure a win to bolster their position in Group A. Canada’s performance against Argentina showed they can compete at this level, but they need to convert their opportunities into goals.
This match provides a chance for Canada to break their winless streak against CONMEBOL teams and gain their first points in the tournament. Given the match winners at their disposal, Canada will be backed to secure a narrow victory on the night.