Listen to this article
Approximately 5 minutes
The audio version of this article was created using text-to-speech, an artificial intelligence-based technology.
Canada played to a scoreless draw with France on Saturday to remain undefeated at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The young Canadians are making new history at the tournament after compiling a dismal 0-20-4 record in their eight previous trips. Canada ended that winless streak in its first game on Wednesday with a 2-1 victory over Uganda thanks to an 88th-minute goal from Elijah Roche and a 98th-minute penalty from Marius Ienero.
“I'm proud of the guys,” Canada coach Mike Vitulano said. “We came face to face with one of the best teams in the world and showed that we belong at this level. We were ready, believed in ourselves and played from the front.”
Canada (1-0-1) is second in Group K, ahead of Uganda (0-1-1) and Chile (0-1-1) and behind France (1-0-1) on goal difference.
Canada is in a good position to make the playoffs for the first time. A win or draw over Chile on Tuesday will secure Canada's spot in the round of 16.
The Canadians could still qualify with a loss, depending on the score, with the top two teams in each group plus the top eight third-place teams qualifying for the round of 16.
“This is a great result to build on as our mindset shifts to preparing for the important match against Chile,” Vitulano said.
Canadian Tim Fortier was recognized as the best player of the match.
France, who beat Chile 2-0 in the opening match, won the U-17 title in 2001 and last finished second in 2023 and third in 2019. The French, led by Lionel Rouxel, qualified this time by finishing second to Portugal at the European Under-17 Championships in June.
The expanded FIFA competition, featuring 48 teams and 104 games, will run until November 27 across the eight pitches of the Aspire Zone complex. The final will take place at the Khalifa International Stadium, which is also located within the Aspire Zone.
1 Canadian shot on target in a draw
Vitulano made three changes to his starting line-up, with Ayenero, Shola Jimoh and Johnny Selemani making up the starting 11 players. All three came on as substitutes in the match against Uganda.
The first half was essentially a stalemate, with the only shot on goal coming in the 36th minute. The Canadian's turnover gave Jah-Mason Thelusson a chance, but Roche saved his shot.
Ienero was booked at the end of the half, which combined with the yellow card against Uganda meant he would miss the match against Chile.
The first shot on target, delivered by French captain Abdoulaye Camara in the 48th minute, was easily saved by Canadian goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom. Camara, a 17-year-old midfielder, joined Italian side Udinese in July on a four-year contract from Montpellier.
Canada introduced Aidan Evans and Van Parker in the 58th minute.
The submarines had an immediate impact. Canada's first chance came in the 62nd minute when Evans' through ball sent Parker racing towards goal. The ball ended up at the feet of Jimoh, whose shot was blocked by sliding French goalkeeper Ilan Jourdrin.
Ransom made a superb reflex save from a corner in the 72nd minute to preserve the draw. At the other end, Parker had a chance in the 80th but fired over the crossbar.
Pierre Mungueng came close in the 83rd minute, rounding a Canadian defender but seeing his shot bounce off the post. An unmarked Isaiah Bohui had a header in stoppage time but fired straight at Ransom.
As a result, Venezuelan referee Yender Herrera went to the pitchside monitor to check for a possible foul in front of the goal during the game. But this came to nothing, much to the anger of France.
The tournament video system allows coaches to request a video review twice per game. If the referee's check results in a change to the original decision, the team retains its request.
France outshot Canada 9-5 on aggregate and 5-1 on shots on target.
On the eve of the tournament, Ienero, Antone Bossenberry and Sasha Chernik were added to the squad, while Andre Ali-Gayapersad, Owen Graham-Roach and Stefan Kapor withdrew due to injury.
The young Canadians booked their berth at the World Cup in February by topping their five-team qualifying group of Bermuda, Anguilla, Curacao and Turks and Caicos with a perfect 4-0-0 record. They beat their opponents 28:2, both goals coming from penalties.
