News in English:
Canada Struggles in Houston, but Holds on to Win Against Curaçao
Houston, Texas – In a hard-fought match at Shell Energy Stadium, refereed by Juan Calderón of Costa Rica, Canada narrowly defeated Curaçao in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The game, part of the second round of the group stage, was characterized by physical and tactical play, with both teams striving to impose their style.
Canada took an early lead with a goal by N. Saliba in the 9th minute, following a play with no apparent assist. The early goal gave confidence to the Canadians, who maintained 52% ball possession for much of the match. However, Curaçao did not back down and constantly sought to equalize.
The match was interrupted by numerous fouls, 13 committed by Curaçao and 15 by Canada, reflecting the intensity of the game. The referee was forced to show yellow cards to L. Bacuna, S. Floranus, and J. Bacuna for Curaçao, and to K. Miller for Canada. In the 66th minute, Curaçao’s hopes were dashed when a goal by J. Locadia was disallowed by VAR due to an offside.
Curaçao did not give up and in the 90th minute, J. Antonisse managed to score a goal, assisted by J. Zimmerman. Despite the late goal, Curaçao could not avoid defeat. The match ended with a Canadian victory, although the Caribbean team proved to be a tough opponent in the Group. The final statistics reflected the equality of the match, with Curaçao maintaining 48% possession and taking 6 shots (2 on target) compared to Canada’s 6 shots (3 on target).
Substitutions canada: at minute 56 A. Ahmed came in and J. Nelson went out., at minute 70 M. Choiniere came in and I. Kone went out., at minute 70 T. Buchanan came in and A. Ahmed went out., at minute 70 A. Johnston came in and N. Sigur went out., at minute 89 C. Larin came in and J. Shaffelburg went out.
Substitutions curaçao: at minute 59 J. Antonisse came in and J. Margaritha went out., at minute 60 G. Roemeratoe came in and L. Bacuna went out., at minute 76 J. Zimmerman came in and K. Gorre went out., at minute 87 G. Kastaneer came in and J. Gaari went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Curaçao
Titulares:
Canada
Titulares:
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