No. 48 CanMNT secure semis berth in first Copa América appearance

The GIST: In their first-ever Copa América appearance, the No. 48 CanMNT is just one win away from the championship match after securing a semis berth with Friday’s 4–3 penalty shootout victory following a 1–1 draw over No. 54 Venezuela.

• Here’s how it happened and what comes next — O’ freaking Canada.

Keeper Maxime Crépeau finds redemption: Up 1–0 thanks to a fantastic 13th minute goal from winger Jacob Shaffelburg, aka, “Maritime Messi,” CanMNT was looking solid until the second half. But Venezuela caught CanMNT goalie Crépeau out of position, a costly mistake that evened the score and eventually sent the game straight to penalty kicks (there’s no extra time in the Copa during the quarters or semis).

• Luckily, Crépeau brought his A game in the shootout, making two standout saves to secure the win. Put some respect on his name.

Up next — Lionel Messi’s Argentina: The gritty Canadians will now play the best team in the world for the second time this tourney. CanMNT lost 2–0 to Argentina in their opening group stage match on June 20th, but there have been a few unfortunate injuries since then: CanMNT midfielderTajon Buchanan is now out with a broken leg and Messi is still dealing with a muscle issue.

• So will this Sidney Crosby–approved Cinderella story turn into a pumpkin or shock the world all the way to the final? Tune in tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET to find out.