The Useful Context
MONTREAL — Maxime Crépeau wiped away tears during "O Canada" a day after learning he'd be Canada's starting goalkeeper at the World Cup. The 32-year-old from Candiac, Que., then gave the decision some validation with a sharp performance in front of his home fans at Stade Saputo on Friday.
Canada drew 1-1 with Ireland in what was supposed to be a final tune-up before the global showcase. The result was flat, sure, but the match could have been worse — much worse — if not for Crépeau.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
He made a diving save on a point-blank Mason Melia shot in the 83rd minute to preserve the draw. Earlier, he stopped Troy Parrott's penalty before Chiedozie Ogbene put away the rebound for Ireland's equalizer. The Irish had been waiting for a goal like that all night.
"He's our number one," midfielder Ismaël Koné said. "It's not for nothing."
The own goal that gave Canada its lead came in the 23rd minute when Jake O'Brien deflected Stephen Eustaquio's cross into his own net. Canada dominated the first half with 67 percent possession and a 9-1 shot advantage, but the 1-0 lead never felt secure.
The Detail Still Doing Work
Cyle Larin conceded the penalty that led to Ireland's tying goal, dragging Jamie McGrath down in the 57th minute. It was the kind of lapse that has plagued Canada's scoring in recent months — control without finish.
"We've got to score some goals, but we will," Marsch said.
Canada opens the World Cup against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto, then plays Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver. The 26-man roster has several players working back from injury, including Alphonso Davies and Moïse Bombito. Dayne St. Clair lost the goalkeeper battle to Crépeau after years of competition.
On a night when the attack couldn't separate itself from a lower-ranked side, the goalkeeper situation at least looks settled. That's something.
After The Confetti
The medical detail may be brief, but it changes the room. Once availability becomes the question, every tactical answer gets a little less certain.