Canada Reignites Copa America Campaign with 1-0 Win over Peru

Canada's Copa America campaign received a much-needed boost with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Peru in Kansas City. Jonathan David, the Lille striker linked to Manchester United and Chelsea, proved his worth once again with a clinical finish that secured all three points for Canada.

The match, played under scorching afternoon heat, saw temperatures soar to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The intense conditions took their toll on one of the assistant referees, who collapsed with apparent heat exhaustion just before halftime.

Canada, who had lost their opening game to Argentina, took the lead in the second half after Peru was reduced to 10 men. Miguel Araujo was sent off for a reckless foul on Jacob Shaffelburg, sparking a melee between players from both teams.

Referee Mario Escobar initially showed Araujo a yellow card, but a VAR review led to the decision being upgraded to a red. This dismissal gave Canada a significant advantage, and they began to press forward more aggressively.

The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when David capitalized on a sweeping counter-attack. Cyle Larin found Shaffelburg with a pinpoint pass, and the Nashville forward delivered a sensational cross-field pass to David. The Lille striker took one touch and fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Peru pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made a fine one-handed save to deny Christian Cueva. He also saved Paolo Guerrero's free-kick in injury time.

The result leaves Canada second in Group A behind Argentina, who face Chile later on Tuesday.

Tags: #CopaAmerica, #Canada, #Peru, #JonathanDavid, #MiguelAraujo