USA Retain Nations League Title As They Beat Canada With Clean Sheet

The United States lifted the CONCACAF Nations League title following a 2-0 win over Canada on Sunday.

Two neighbouring countries and natural rivals entertained North American fans but one team always looked more confident throughout 90 minutes of action.

It didn’t take long for the Americans to assert their dominance against a Canadian side still trying to figure out how to win big games after swallowing tough pills in the World Cup.

Gio Reyna was at the top of his game throughout the opening 45 minutes and became the American with the most contributions in a final (one goal, three assists) after setting up both goals.

Sloppy defending saw Chris Richards make history as the only USA player to net his first international goal in a final before newly recruited Folarin Balogun matched the record minutes later with a sniper of a strike.

Canada did maintain majority possession but seemed second to everything and never appeared settled or ready for the challenge.

Alphonso Davies was off his game with poorly-timed passes, Jonathan David was invisible in attack, and the defence was all-around questionable.

The Canucks ramped up the pressure with pacey runs from Davies down the wing by the hour mark, but a composed USA group always (and easily) stopped every threat.

The Americans were hungry for more, too and perhaps only failed to score more goals when the brilliant Reyna was substituted off (injury).

Notably, the USA were also without key men Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest (suspended).

Ultimately it was the efficient, clean and determined first half of football that saw the Americans retain their title and teach the Canucks a lesson on how to win big games.

Canada is still 23 years without a trophy.