It was a tough — arguably impossible — ask for Canada to remain competitive in their opener at Copa America against Argentina, the reigning World Cup champs. The better team won on Thursday evening in Atlanta as Argentina came out with all three available points, but it was far from smooth sailing for Lionel Messi and Co.
For that, you can thank Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who put on a performance for the ages that prevented Canada from being on the wrong side of a full-on blowout.
Just under eight minutes into the first half, Crepeau made a potentially game-altering save on a rare two-on-zero attack for Argentina to keep the game scoreless. Then, in the second half, the 30-year-old made two consecutive stops on Messi to keep the game within reach for Canada.
Crepeau’s brilliance against the best team in the world gave Canada a fighting chance and may have just earned him the starting spot for the remainder of the tournament.
Here are some of the best reactions to his game from around the sports world.
