MONTREAL (AP) — Chiedozie Ogbene’s goal lifted the Irish to a 1-1 draw with Canada on Friday night in Canada’s final preparation before the final. world cup.
Canada took the lead in the 24th minute with an own goal from Ireland defender Jake O’Brien, who was in front of the goal after receiving a corner kick from Stephen Eustaquio.
Ireland were awarded a penalty in the second half after Cyle Larin made a reckless challenge on Ireland’s Jamie McGrath. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau punched Troy Parrott’s attempt away, but Ogbene smashed in the rebound to tie the score in the 60th minute.
Larin, who started for Canada, signed a two-year contract with Southampton on the same day.
Ireland, who failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup, almost scored the winning goal, but Crepeau deftly stopped Mason Melia’s charge in the 85th minute. He finished with two saves.
Crepeau defeated Dane St. Clair to qualify for the World Cup. Crepeau broke his leg while playing for LAFC in the MLS Cup finals, which ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Canada beat Uzbekistan 2-0 Monday in Edmonton, Alberta. The team will open the World Cup in Toronto on June 12th, playing against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B. They head to Vancouver to play Qatar on June 18th and Switzerland on June 24th.
canada remained Without captain Alphonso Daviesis still nursing a hamstring injury he sustained while playing for Bayern Munich. The timing of his return has not been determined.
Canada coach Jesse Marsh started Luc de Fougerolle at center back in place of Moise Bonbito, who left the game after the first half against Uzbekistan and was seen icing his leg. Bombito is recovering from a tibia fracture.
___
AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
