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Canada blanks Panama to clinch Nations League Final berth

Canada’s quest to earn a first international trophy since 2000 continued on Thursday with John Herdman’s squad clinching a first-ever berth into the Concacaf Nations League Finals.

Jonathan David scored once before Alphonso Davies came off the bench to ice a 2-0 semifinal victory over Panama in Las Vegas. Milan Borjan finished with three saves in net as Canada will meet either the U.S. men’s national team or Mexico in Sunday’s tournament final.

David’s breakthrough goal came in the 25th minute after a dangerous through ball pass from Kamal Miller allowed the Lille forward to race upfield and score. It was David’s 25th international goal for Canada in his 41st career cap, keeping him three goals behind Cyle Larin for the all-time goalscoring lead.

Panama created more opportunities in the second half with Harold Cummings coming close on a pair of headed attempts. Ismael Diaz’s right-footed shot was saved by Borjan in the 57th minute keeping Canada in front.

Davies’ top-shelf finish in the 69th minute would seal the victory for Canada after David set up the Bayern Munich star before the 22-year-old scored his first overall since March 11 at club level.

Panama continued to try and get themselves back into the tie, but Canada would defend strongly in the final 20+ minutes to earn the shutout win.

Canada has now won its last three matches in all competitions heading into Sunday’s Nations League Final at Allegiant Stadium.

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