Canada frustrated 2023 FIFA-U17 World Cup runner-up France in a goalless draw in Group K action in Doha on Saturday to remain undefeated in the youth tournament.
The 0-0 stalemate earned the Canadians an encouraging point that places them second in the group on four points, just behind the French on goal difference. Group opponents Uganda and Chile round out the bottom with a point apiece following their 1-1 draw on Saturday.
“I’m proud of the boys,” Canada coach Mike Vitulano said, per The Canadian Press. “We went toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the world and showed we belong at this level. We were ready, believed in ourselves, and played on the front foot.”
The Canadians kick-started their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Uganda on Wednesday that forgave some early lackadaisical defending. They built on that goodwill with an impressive defensive performance in front of Arsene Wenger, the longtime Arsenal manager and current chief of football development for FIFA, that puts them in a position to advance to the knockout stage of the U-17 World Cup for the first time in nine attempts.
Prior to the victory over Uganda, Canada hadn’t won any of its 24 previous contests in the competition.
Related Read: Canada gets 1st-ever win at FIFA U-17 World Cup with 2 late goals vs. Uganda
Vitulano’s side spoiled a golden chance to take a stunning second-half lead when York United’s highly rated Shola Jimoh nearly snuck a shot underneath goalkeeper Ilan Jourdren. Canadian midfielder Van Parker’s mazy run teed up Jimoh, whose shot struck a defender as he swept up behind Jourdren.
Ten minutes later, Canada’s own goalkeeper, Jonathan Ransom, made a fine reaction stop from a goalmouth scramble. Believe Munongo’s impressive side-footed effort from a dangerous corner kick preceded the biggest opportunity of the game when teammate Rudy Matondo turned inside Canadian midfielder Josh-Duc Nteziryayo and struck the post following a quick break down the right flank.
The referee consulted the pitchside monitor in second-half stoppage time to review midfielder Elijah Roche’s handling of France’s Antoine Valero in the penalty area but decided not to award a back-breaking spot kick with the game on the line.
Canada rounds out Group K on Tuesday with its final round-robin match against Chile.
