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Maxime Crepeau broke down in tears during the national anthem a day after being named Canada’s No. 1 goalkeeper for the FIFA World Cup. The 32-year-old from Candiac, Quebec, then delivered an outstanding performance in front of his hometown fans Friday night at Stade Saputo.
Despite dominating much of the match, No. 30 Canada squandered a first-half lead and settled for a 1-1 draw with lower-ranked Ireland in their final tune-up before the global tournament. The result could have been worse if not for Crepeau’s heroics.
“He’s our number one,” said midfielder Ismael Kone. “It’s not for nothing.”
Canada will open the World Cup against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto before heading to Vancouver for group matches against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.
Crepeau, who secured the starting goalkeeper spot Thursday after a long-standing competition with Dayne St. Clair, made a crucial diving save on a close-range shot by Ireland’s Mason Melia in the 83rd minute. Melia received the ball alone near the six-yard box after Canadian wingback Niko Sigur failed to clear a cross. What seemed like a certain goal turned into an incredible save, sparking the sellout crowd of 19,619 red-clad fans and leaving the Irish supporters frustrated.
“He looked really good and sharp the whole game, was the last defender in a really good way,” said Canadian coach Jesse Marsch, who called the goalkeeper decision the toughest of his career. “And what a great save. What an incredible save. Yeah, we know we can count on Max.”
Crepeau also stopped a penalty kick from Troy Parrott in the second half, but Ireland’s Chiedozie Ogbene scored on the rebound. Canada’s Cyle Larin conceded the penalty after a high kick on Jamie McGrath in the 57th minute, shifting momentum after Canada had largely controlled the first half.
Larin nearly redeemed himself in the 70th minute, but Ireland goalie Mark Travers made a sprawling save to deny a sharp-angled shot.
Canada pressed for an equalizer but created few clear chances as Ireland exploited some tired legs with dangerous counterattacks.
“When we get tired, then it’s just tougher,” said defender Luc de Fougerolles. “First 60 minutes, they didn’t really have anything, they didn’t get in our half much. And then you saw as we got a bit tired, the pressure was a bit less, then they started to get behind a bit more. We’ll definitely analyze and we’ll get ready for Bosnia.”
Canada’s lone goal came from an own goal by Ireland defender Jake O’Brien in the 23rd minute. Winger Liam Millar won a corner after an interception, and Stephen Eustaquio’s cross deflected off two Irish players before crossing the line.
Canada dominated possession with 67 percent in the first half, outshooting Ireland 9-1 (1-0 on target), but the lead was never comfortable.
“We were very much in control of this match, and we just lacked a little bit of quality in the final actions, but I believe that will come,” Marsch said. “But I’m going to be positive, guys. I’m not here to take a bunch of negative questions and if you ask me negative questions, then I’ll just move on to the next one. This group is really strong. This group is really committed. They’re fit, they’re ready to push. We’ve got to score some goals, but we will.”
Marsch made one change to his lineup from Monday’s 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in Edmonton, replacing Moise Bombito with Luc de Fougerolles at center back. Bombito continues to recover from a fractured tibia and sat on the bench.
Stephen Eustaquio wore the captain’s armband with Alphonso Davies still rehabilitating a hamstring injury. Davies is among several Canadian players nursing ailments on the 26-man World Cup roster.