Heartbreak for Canada as Curaçao Equalizes in the 94th Minute

Pics : @catalanoflicks

Houston, TX – A stunning stoppage-time goal from Curaçao’s Jeremy Antonisse snatched a 1-1 draw against Canada in their Gold Cup group stage clash at Shell Energy Stadium. Canada, who had led since the ninth minute, saw their hopes of clinching an early knockout round spot take a hit after conceding in the dying seconds of the game.

Canada opened the scoring early, with 21-year-old midfielder Nathan Saliba finding the back of the net in the 9th minute. Saliba reacted quickly to a loose clearance following a set piece, firing a clean finish past the Curaçao goalkeeper. The early strike gave Canada a boost of momentum, and they looked comfortable in possession for most of the first half.

Despite Canada’s control, Curaçao remained resilient and showed flashes of danger. Their persistence nearly paid off in the second half when Jürgen Locadia and Roshon van Eijma had goals ruled out — one for offside and another controversially waved off after confusion involving a whistle from the stands. Canada struggled to maintain pressure and looked increasingly fatigued under the Houston heat.

With the match nearing its end, Curaçao pushed forward in desperation. In the 94th minute, Canada lost possession in midfield, and Curaçao launched a quick attack. The ball found substitute Jeremy Antonisse, who drove into the box and slotted a low shot past Dayne St. Clair, shocking the Canadian side and sending the Curaçao bench into wild celebration.

Canadian captain Jonathan David voiced the team’s frustration afterward: “It’s frustrating to get a tie like that but we have to keep moving forward.” Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat, meanwhile, praised his team’s second-half performance, saying, “We are very pleased with the performance ... we did a really good job.”

The result leaves both teams with everything to play for in their final group matches. Canada sits on four points after two games, while Curaçao remains in contention with two points from two draws. With one matchday left in Group B, the race for a spot in the knockout rounds remains wide open.