Quick goals from Patrice Bernier and Marcel De Jong were enough to secure Canada’s 2-2 draw against Costa Rica, Friday, and wrap up first place in Group A of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Having accepted the ball from Manisaspor midfielder Josh Simpson in the 24th minute, Patrice Bernier’s volley beat Ticos goalkeeper Ricardo Gonzalez and leveled the score at a goal apiece. It was the 29-year-old’s second international goal in 41 appearances—and second in 12 days—and cancelled Andy Herron’s opener, scored just two minutes prior when a quick break following a free-kick found Canadian ‘keeper Greg Sutton off his line. Herron had only to lob the ball into the net.
Canada went briefly ahead in the 28th minute when De Jong scored his first international goal. Running onto the ball after the Ticos defense had cleared his initial free-kick, he launched an effort from 25 yards that evaded the lunge of Gonzalez.
The lead lasted only seven minutes, however, as Walter Centeno’s superb free-kick eluded the Canadian wall and flew past Sutton to tie the score.
Canada will now face the runners-up from Group B in a quarterfinal match on July 18.
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