Canada had to overcome 10-men Peru and an assistant referee collapsing in the first half of Tuesday’s game in Kansas City to win for the first time in the Copa America.
Lille forward Jonathan David, 24, scored the game’s only goal midway through the second half (76′) for the Canucks to clinch their first three points of the tournament.
Assistant referee Humberto Panjoj had to be removed from the field on a stretcher during added time in the first half at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau urgently called for EMTs to rush to Panjoj’s aid.
It’s widely believed that the Guatemalan official suffered from effects of heat and dehydration, as the temperatures in the stadium were as high as 91 degrees with a feels-like temperatures of 101 degrees at the time with 51 percent of humidity.
Canada forward Jonathan David is mobbed by his teammates after scoring in the second half
More to follow…