ARLINGTON, Texas — Canada have returned to the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals for the first time in over a decade and a win over defending champions Mexico separate them from playing for the trophy.
Canada had a week of preparation from their final group stage match to their 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in the quarterfinals, and midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye believes his team took full advantage, leading to his national team’s first semifinal berth since 2007.
“I think it was sticking to our game plan and believing in ourselves,” Kaye said in an exclusive post match interview with Concacaf.com. “We had a good week of preparation. We knew where their strengths and weaknesses are and we really tried to exploit them. I also think we play with a lot of confidence, so kudos to the guys for committing to what we said we were going to do and then playing it out in the game.”
Since that 2007 edition, Canada have advanced to the knockout stage on three occasions out of six tournament participations. Kaye was on the last two teams whose dreams were cut short in the quarterfinal stage.
“It's another step forward in the right direction,” Kaye said about reaching the semifinal. “We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but we set out a goal and every time we reach a goal, we're excited and then we set a new one.”
“To create a little bit of history right now is always good and that's what this group has been doing for the last two years, so we're excited and we look forward to the next game,” Kaye added.
Now, Mexico stands in the way of Canada’s ticket to the final. The two will face off on Thursday to decide who will face the winner of United States versus Qatar.
“We have to feel good about the team we have and the players we have,” said Kaye. “We have to stick to our game plan on whatever it is going against the Mexicans and then believing in ourselves. That's a big thing.”
