Jonathan David gave Canada the decisive touch in the early hours of Sunday, scoring in a 1-0 friendly win over Chile before dedicating the moment to injured Marseille defender Derek Cornelius.
The move
David struck in the 12th minute for his fourth goal of the season, putting Canada ahead in a match that became increasingly difficult for Chile to contain. The forward, on loan at Atlético Madrid, celebrated by displaying a shirt carrying Cornelius’s name.
Cornelius had left the Canada camp early after suffering a hip injury. The Marseille centre-back is expected to be unavailable for around three months.
Chile were reduced to 10 men when Lucas Cepeda was sent off in the 35th minute. Their problems deepened shortly after the interval, when former Toulouse player Gabriel Suazo collected a second yellow card in the 50th minute, leaving his side with nine.
- Jonathan David — Canada forward, on loan at Atlético Madrid
- Derek Cornelius — Canada and Marseille defender
- Gabriel Suazo — Chile defender and former Toulouse player
The French season around it
Cornelius’s injury is the immediate Ligue 1 concern from Canada’s gathering, with Marseille set to be without the defender for an extended spell. David’s tribute ensured the absent OM player remained at the centre of Canada’s night despite not taking the field.
Canada will continue their international programme against Peru on Tuesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 in France.
Mexico held in Márquez’s first match
Elsewhere, Mexico drew 1-1 with Colombia in Rafael Márquez’s first game in charge of El Tri. Luis Suárez put Colombia in front after nine minutes, but 17-year-old Gilberto Mora levelled in the 62nd minute.
Mexico’s next fixture is against the United States in the early hours of Wednesday, beginning at 03:00 French time.
