CanMNT Reach CNL Semis After Defeating Suriname 3-0 (4-0)

Summary:

• Canada’s men’s soccer team has ended the year on a high note with a 3-0 win against Suriname on Tuesday. 
• The Canadians completed a 4-0 aggregate triumph in their CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal.
• The result sealed Canada’s place in the Nations League Finals and confirmed their qualification for the 2025 Gold Cup.

Canada’s men’s soccer team capped off 2024 with a decisive 3-0 victory over Suriname on Tuesday, securing a 4-0 aggregate win in their CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal matchup. 

The result not only earned Canada a spot in the Nations League Finals in March at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California but also guaranteed their place in the 2025 Gold Cup.

Jacob Shaffelburg Netted Two Goals

Jacob Shaffelburg was the star of the match, netting two goals, while Jonathan David added another, solidifying his status as Canada’s all-time leading men’s scorer. 

Ranked 35th globally, Canada controlled the game against 136th-ranked Suriname from start to finish, showcasing their superiority on home soil.

The slow start of the match saw both sides trying to find their rhythm. Canada’s breakthrough came in the 23rd minute after a short corner saw Mathieu Choiniere deliver a dangerous cross into the box. 

A botched clearance by Suriname bounced off Shaffelburg, landing at David’s feet, who calmly finished. A brief video review upheld the goal despite Suriname’s appeal for a handball.

Shaffelburg then managed to double the lead in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a long ball from Moise Bombito. 

He skillfully sidestepped Suriname’s goalkeeper, Etienne Vaessen, and scored. The crowd at BMO Field, numbering 13,239, heckled Vaessen for the remainder of the match.

Shaffelburg’s second goal came in the 67th minute, as he tapped in a Larin cross, putting the game out of reach. 

Canada nearly added more, with Larin hitting the post in the 80th minute, leading to a premature fireworks celebration in the stadium.

Last Friday’s away game in Paramaribo proved more challenging, with Canada battling the heat and artificial turf. 

It took a late goal from substitute Junior Hoilett in the 82nd minute to secure a 1-0 win. Although Canada dominated possession and created numerous opportunities, they struggled with finishing and set pieces on the unfamiliar surface. 

Tuesday’s performance, however, showed a team in sync, demonstrating coach Jesse Marsch’s impact.

David,  Canada’s Top Men’s Scorer

David’s goal in Toronto, his fourth in six games, pushed him past Cyle Larin as Canada’s top men’s scorer, with 31 goals in 59 international appearances. 

“He seems to score every match”, said Marsch. “He’s dangerous every match. He sets up goals. He’s a complete player.”, the coach added of the 24-year-old who is also a forward for Ligue 1 club Lille. 

Richie Laryea echoed those sentiments, praising David’s “unbelievable” form, calling him “unplayable”

Next in Line, Mexico in the Semifinals

Canada’s next challenge will be No. 16 Mexico in the Nations League semifinals. 

Mexico experienced a dramatic comeback over Honduras on Tuesday when they overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit and pulled a 4-0 victory in Toluca, advancing 4-2 on aggregate. 

Canada and Mexico recently played to a 0-0 draw in a friendly in Texas this past September. 

In the other semifinal, the United States will face Panama after securing their spots by defeating Jamaica and Costa Rica, respectively.

Tuesday’s victory extended Canada’s unbeaten streak to five matches (4-0-1) and provided a strong finish to a year that had its ups and downs. 

With coach Jesse Marsch at the helm, Canada has gone 5-3-5 against tough opponents, including high-profile matches at Copa America.

Will Canada make it to the final and possibly face the defending three-time champions the USA? Find out the latest soccer odds and opportunities at our selected bookmakers.