For the first time, the Canadian men’s national team is off to the Concacaf Nations League final after a 2-0 win over Panama in the semifinals on Thursday night.
It was Canada’s dynamic duo of young stars who made the difference. Jonathan David opened the scoring with his 25th goal for country — coincidentally scored in the 25th minute, and Alphonso Davies added a brilliant goal minutes after coming off the bench in the 69th minute.
Here is how Canada’s players performed, as the team booked a spot in a final for the first time in 23 years, which they will play on Sunday night:
Starting XI
Milan Borjan 7.5 / 10
Borjan answered every question that was asked of him over the course of 90 minutes, making four saves. His ability to not only stop but hold onto a long-range curler in the second half from Adalberto Carrasquilla was particularly impressive.
Richie Laryea 7.5 / 10
Laryea got stuck in all match long down the right flank, winning 11 of the 18 duels he contested. He was also fouled a stunning six times, including drawing a late red card, and making two key passes.
Alistair Johnston 7 / 10
Johnston put in a very solid defensive shift as a right-sided central defender, making three tackles and an interception. His forward distribution could have been better, as he completed just one of six long balls, but it was an otherwise tidy performance from one of Canada’s most consistent contributors.
Steven Vitória 7 / 10
Vitória was outstanding in the air as always, winning all three of his aerial duels. He was also tidy in possession, completing 48 of his 53 passes, including two of three long balls.
Kamal Miller 8 / 10
In his first match with Canada since the World Cup, Miller was outstanding. His perfectly weighted through ball set up Jonathan David’s opener. He backed that up with a solid defensive shift, with three interceptions a tackle and a clearance.
Sam Adekugbe 6 / 10
A tidy performance from Adekugbe at left wingback — who completed 19 of his 20 passes, but besides an early chance where he got in behind that was ultimately ruled offside, not many particularly notable moments of action either.
Ismäel Koné 6.5 / 10
Coming off the best international performance of his career against Honduras in Canada’s March Group Stage finale, he wasn’t quite at that level in the semifinal. After some nervy touches early, however, Koné was solid, completing 30 of his 32 passes in the middle of the park.
Stephen Eustáquio 7.5 / 10
Canada’s tempo setter once again was the team’s connector all over the field. He completed a stunning 70 of his 74 passes in midfield, six of seven from long balls, and a key pass.
Tajon Buchanan 6.5 / 10
Buchanan wasn’t quite as dominant as he has been in a Canadian shirt in recent matches, but was still dangerous down the right flank and played a brilliant cross to Cyle Larin for one of Canada’s best chances.
Cyle Larin 5.5 / 10
After setting La Liga alight over the past few months, it was a quiet performance from Canada’s all-time leading goalscorer. He had an excellent chance on a back post header saved and won just one of the nine duels he contested.
Jonathan David 8.5 / 10
They don’t call him the Iceman for nothing. David’s cool finish in the 25th minute capped off a sensational performance from the 23-year-old, which included an assist on Davies’ goal, two chances created and winning four of his six duels contested.
Substitutes
Alphonso Davies – 8/10
Davies continues to be an absolute nightmare for the Panama national team, scoring just seven minutes after entering the game during a time when Canada were struggling a little bit. Davies attempted four dribbles and was constantly a threat down the left flank against a tired Panama defence.
Jonathan Osorio – 6/10
Osorio didn’t see much of the ball after coming on for the final 28 minutes, making just 12 touches, but looked sharp enough to be an option for John Herdman in the final.
Scott Kennedy – 6.5/10
Kennedy won the ball in the defensive third which led to the counterattacking opportunity where Davies ultimately scored. He helped Canada see out a clean sheet with a strong performance off the bench.
Atiba Hutchinson – 6/10
Just seeing Hutchinson on the pitch in his 104th appearance for country was enough. Now the 40-year-old will get to contest his first final for Canada on Sunday.
Junior Hoilett – 6/10
Hoilett, like Hutchinson, played just 15 minutes, but after missing out on the March window he will be a key option off the bench for Canada in the final.