These fans will have to wait. Once again Canada were simply not good enough in this Gold Cup. They had to win to advance but just like the previous two group matches, they failed to score. Their last appearance in the knockout stage came in 2009. Les Rouges best chance came late during a goalmouth melee following a corner which goalie Esteban Alvarado spilled but Los Ticos captain Bryan Ruiz was able to make a goal line save off Andrew Hainault’s effort. A little earlier Marcus Haber stuck his knee foot out and put the ball into goal from a free kick but it was ruled offside. Canada’s best player was Kenny Stamatatopoulos making his Gold Cup 16th save, the most amongst goalies.

Where the Canadians suffered most apart from actual goals was their terrible passing accuracy. Most of their attacks broke down in the final third.

Benito Floro once again kept Russell Tiebert on the bench. Why would a coach keep their best prospect mothballed till late is a mystery? Los Ticos did not have to exert themselves. A draw would ensure Paul Wanchope’s side finish second to Jamaica and progress to the quarterfinals. Which is what they did.