Canadian ‘keeper Crepeau stops star Mbappe late to preserve draw with No. 2-ranked France in friendly
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Canada, looking poised and organized, held second-ranked France to a scoreless draw in a high-profile men’s soccer friendly Sunday in Bordeaux, France.
The French had the better of a scoreless first half but the 49th-ranked Canadians coolly dealt with their attacks and had their own spells of possession. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was up to the task when called upon.
It was more of the same to start the second half, but Canada began to pose more questions as the game wore on. William Saliba made a key block to prevent a Jonathan David cross from finding substitute Jonathan Osorio in front of goal in the 78th minute.
But while Canada had some good build-ups, it did not manage to threaten goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
WATCH: Canada plays to draw with France:
Canada rebounded from a loss to the Netherlands by holding France to a 0-0 finish in their international friendly.
“It was a big step forward,” Canadian coach Jesse Marsch said. “But there’s still so much work to be done. What I liked was that a lot of the individual behaviours were clearer today than against the Dutch. And collective organization for what we wanted to do in all phases of the game was better. But there’s still a lot to do to get ever better for me.”
The French came close in stoppage time. An unmarked Randal Kolo Muani had a glorious chance but sent his header wide. Then Crepeau came out to force fellow substitute Kylian Mbappe away from goal.
Crepeau made another save in the 96th to deny Mbappe.
The game served as a tuneup for Canada ahead of this month’s Copa America tournament. Canada plays its first game June 20 against World Cup champion Argentina.
