Davies' stunning solo effort sends Canada past Panama in key World Cup qualifier
CBC
On a big stage before a big crowd, Canada's marquee man delivered. And how.
Alphonso Davies scored a remarkable goal to open the floodgates midway through the second half Wednesday as Canada roared to a 4-1 victory over Panama in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying play.
The goal epitomized the 20-year-old Bayern Munich star, showcasing his speed, acceleration and flair. Not many people on the planet could have scored it.
It got Drake's attention. Canada coach John Herdman said the global hip-hop star texted Davies after the game, saying he wanted to get together.
The 51st-ranked Canadian men had No. 68 Panama under the cosh but didn't pull ahead until the 66th minute when a sprinting Davies came out of nowhere down the right flank to pilfer the ball from under the feet of defender Harold Cummings, who thought the ball was about to go out.
Davies got to the ball before it did, acrobatically using his trailing foot to keep the ball in play and push it ahead of him, then danced around defender Fidel Escobar and — using Jonathan David as a decoy — fired a low shot that left goalkeeper Luis Mejia rooted to the spot for a 2-1 lead. It was Davies's 10th goal in his 28th match for Canada.
The Canadians, still unbeaten at 2-0-4, turned on the offence after the goal.
