Coach Jesse Marsch insisted Canada are “not a dirty team” following a red card in their third straight game during the 2-2 draw with Iceland.
Tajon Buchanan received his marching orders in the 80th minute of the friendly for an elbow to the head of Iceland midfielder Mikael Ellertsson as the ball rolled out of play. This incident marked the fourth red card for Canada in their last eight games.
Iceland 2-2 Canada in International Friendly
Match Summary: Canada Battles Back from 2-0 Down
“We’re physical, we play hard, but we’re not a dirty team,” Marsch stated, disagreeing with Buchanan’s dismissal. “I’m not worried about developing a reputation, but certainly cards like that can change momentum in tournaments.”
Jonathan David scored twice from the penalty spot in the second half, helping Canada salvage a draw from a 2-0 deficit. Orri Óskarsson netted both goals for Iceland.
The 29th-ranked Canadians are gearing up to co-host this summer’s World Cup with the United States and Mexico. Iceland, ranked No. 74 on FIFA’s last official list from mid-January, failed to qualify.
Key Match Moments and Goals
- 9th minute: Óskarsson capitalized on a poor pass from Canadian center-back Kamal Miller, going one-on-one and beating goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair for a 1-0 lead.
- 21st minute: The Real Sociedad striker doubled the lead after Ellertsson beat right back Niko Sigur to a ball in midfield. Óskarsson took a quick feed, steadied, and finished neatly for 2-0.
- 67th minute: David converted a penalty after Buchanan was fouled by Ellertsson, pulling one back.
- 76th minute: David scored his second penalty after substitute Daniel Jebbison was brought down in the box.
- 80th minute: Buchanan sent off, interrupting Canada’s momentum.
Marsch remained calm at halftime, telling his players, “We’re still on top of the game, and if we push the tempo more, we’re going to find the first goal, we’re going to find the second goal, and then we’re going to get the winner.” He noted the red card as the only interruption.
Debuts and World Cup Preparations
The match featured a debut for Marcelo Flores, who completed a one-time switch from Mexico with FIFA in February. “Amazing [to] finally get the Maple Leaf on,” the winger said. “Very proud.”
Canada now focuses on Tuesday’s exhibition against No. 47 Tunisia, with players vying for World Cup roster spots just 75 days away. They open the tournament on June 12 in Toronto against the winner of the European playoff between No. 13 Italy and No. 66 Bosnia-Herzegovina, followed by Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver.
“Every moment we’re together right now is an opportunity to make a continued impression, a lasting impression,” Marsch emphasized. “But I don’t want them to feel so much pressure on them. I want them to just continue to try to put to practice the things that we want to see.”
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