An inspired Canadian comeback against Switzerland at BC Place fell just short, and so did Canada’s hopes of extending their stay in Vancouver.
Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi in the opening 12 minutes of the second half looked to have sealed Canada’s fate, but once again it was Jesse Marsch’s substitutes that helped propel his side forward following the last hydration break.
Promise David’s goal sent Canadians nationwide into delirium, but Granit Xhaka and the Swiss managed to hold on for top spot in Group B.
That stings but take solace in the fact that Canada will play in the knockout rounds for the first time ever at a men’s FIFA World Cup on Sunday in Los Angeles.
(All ratings from 1-10 with 5 indicating an average performance)
Maxime Crepeau: 6
The Canadian goalkeeper made a big save on Breel Embolo early to keep the score level during a period of Swiss dominance. It’s hard to fault Crepeau for Vargas’ opener, with the midfielder enjoying egregious alone time in the Canadian box, but the Manzambi goal should be stopped.
Richie Laryea: 6
A tough game for a player that’s excelled in this tournament. Laryea, along with most of his teammates, was caught out of position as Manzambi darted down the wing before Vargas’ goal in the opening moments of the second half.
Luc de Fougerolles: 6
The Canadian centre-back partnership was under pressure from the opening whistle, with Embolo causing all sorts of problems for both de Fougerolles and Derek Cornelius. The 20-year-old had to do better on Switzerland’s second goal, but he wasn’t helped in the least by his partner.
Derek Cornelius: 5
The Marseille man nearly salvaged a rocky performance in the match’s closing moments, nearly finding the equalizer twice with headers that were just off target. But overall, it was a match to forget for the 28-year-old. The second Swiss goal doesn’t happen without a misread in the air by Cornelius.
Alistair Johnston: 6
Like Laryea, Johnston struggled at times after being one of Canada’s best players through the first two matches. He probably could’ve done more as Embolo held off de Fougerolles and set up the game’s winning goal.
Mathieu Choiniere: 7
The first-half hydration break was the perfect elixir for whatever ailed Choiniere, who was a surprise starter in place of captain Stephen Eustaquio. His deliveries from set pieces were a threat and he didn’t look out of place against top caliber European midfielders.
Nathan Saliba: 8
An outstanding performance from a player under intense scrutiny heading into the match. Saliba’s touch and control on the Promise David goal deserves its own exhibit in a museum. He and Choiniere grew into the match after letting Xhaka dictate proceedings for the opening 25 minutes.
Ali Ahmed: 6
An anonymous performance from Ahmed after he won his place in the starting lineup through merit. His replacement, Liam Millar, made more headway in his brief cameo than the Norwich City player.
Tajon Buchanan: 5
The winger didn’t offer much going forward, but Canada needs Buchanan to be responsible defensively against the world’s top sides. Buchanan switching off afforded Manzambi the space he needed just prior to Switzerland’s opening goal.
Jonathan David: 5
A quiet day for the Iceman after his hat-trick against Qatar. David played the entire match but managed only one shot (off target). Swiss centre-backs Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi refused to allow the Canadian forward time to do much.
Cyle Larin: 6
There was a moment in the first half when Larin nearly turned the match after provoking Xhaka into some Arsenal-era stupidity, but overall, the Southampton man found himself with few opportunities against an organized, veteran Swiss group.
Stephen Eustaquio (58’ minute): 7.5
Was he fit enough to start? That was the question many of us had after watching Eustaquio excel after coming on with just over half an hour left in the match. If today’s first-half rest affords Canada’s captain a chance to be his best self on Sunday, we’ll take the tradeoff.
Liam Millar (58’ minute): 7
Written off by some after Ahmed took his spot in the lineup, Millar was a revelation on Wednesday. Threatening and relentless, Millar presented a new set of challenges for the Swiss defence.
Tani Oluwaseyi (58’ minute): 7
Oluwaseyi was part of the group that launched Canada’s second-half fightback and has been superb off the bench now in two consecutive games.
Promise David (74’ minute): 9
What can you say about the player that wasn’t even supposed to be here? David’s heroic efforts to recover from a midseason injury tell us all we need to know about his passion, but how about the skill? His ability to connect on Saliba’s cross for Canada’s lone marker was a special moment and a contender for goal of the tournament.
Jacob Shaffelburg (83’): No rating for his short cameo at the end of the match.
