Needing a result to make it back-to-back Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal appearances, Canada cruised past Cuba, 7-0, Sunday evening in their Group A finale at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
Canada’s front three of striker Lucas Cavallini and wingers Junior Hoilett and Jonathan David – often joined by left back Alphonso Davies – were relentless. Cavallini and David both recorded hat tricks, though each could have had more if not for six saves from Cuban goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez.
The breakthrough came in the 3rd minute, as David tapped home his first goal after Hoillet was played in over the top. Then came the finishing touch of Cavallini, who netted a first-half hat trick to make it 4-0 going into the locker room. Each strike came via a quick touch inside the six-yard box.
Canada didn’t slow down come the second half, as Hoillet made it 5-0 in the 50th minute and David had his hat trick by the 77th minute, also netting in the 71st.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan was certainly not a bystander. He finished with two saves, and could have picked the ball out of his net if not for some wayward Cuban finishing.
By game's end, it was also easy to forget that Cavallini blasted a penalty kick over in the 56th minute after a mazing run from David. That's how dominant Canada was.
Goals
- 3' – CAN – Jonathan David | WATCH
- 21' – CAN – Lucas Cavallini | WATCH
- 43' – CAN – Lucas Cavallini | WATCH
- 45+1' – CAN – Lucas Cavallini | WATCH
- 50' – CAN – Junior Hoilett | WATCH
- 71' – CAN – Jonathan David | WATCH
- 77' – CAN – Jonathan David | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Canada made some history against Cuba, scoring the most goals they have ever scored in a Gold Cup match and posting their second group-stage shutout. The accomplishments come with an asterisk, as Cuba ends the tournament with a minus-17 goal differential. Nonetheless, John Herdman has the Canadians playing some inspired soccer heading into the knockout round.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Dominant from start to finish, Canada’s prettiest goal came in the 43rd minute when David crossed for Cavallini. The striker made a darting near-post run, deflecting home with the outside of his right boot.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: With three goals and an assist, David is entirely deserving of the honor here. He finished the group stage with five goals, often knowing the exact moment to kick into second gear and punish Cuba.
Next Up
- CAN: Wednesday, June 29 vs. TBD | Gold Cup quarterfinal
- CUB: Out of the Gold Cup
