A poor defensive performance in the second half against Switzerland cost Canada top spot in Group B, but Promise David's impact proves that substitutions will play a key role for Jesse Marsch's team going forward.
David scored just 70 seconds after being introduced to the game, finding the net with an impressive outstretched finish after Nathan-Dylan Saliba had done exceptionally well to take down the ball and get the cross away.
Nothing New for Canada
With that goal, David joins a growing list of Canadian substitutes to have directly contributed to the scoreline this tournament. This is Canada's fifth player off the bench to record a goal contribution, only Germany have had more this World Cup.
In their 6-0 demolition of Qatar, Saliba recorded a goal and an assist off the bench after replacing Ismael Koné, who suffered a broken leg. In their opening game against Bosnia & Herzegovina, their only goal was both provided and scored by a substitute, with David setting up Cyle Larin.
Marsch's Changes Spark a Response
Jesse Marsch's tactical changes this tournament have already proved to impact the game significantly, and this fixture showed why they will likely continue to do so as his side travels to Los Angeles for their round of 32 fixture and potentially beyond.
After a sluggish start to the second half, in which Canada conceded two goals in large part due to defensive errors, Marsch made three changes just before the hour mark, and his team improved drastically.
The pick of those changes was Hull City man Liam Millar, who immediately seemed to improve Canada's attacking output, with a chance falling to him in the box just three minutes after coming on.
Millar's crosses from the left flank also added a whole new element to Canada's play, as he recorded two key passes leading to shots with balls into the box.
David's goal gave Canada hope of a dramatic comeback, and it was almost another substitute who created the equaliser in injury time. Jacob Shaffelburg was introduced in the 83rd minute, and he made two key passes, either of which may have led to a goal in the dying embers of the game.
The first was a well-placed cross which found the head of Alistair Johnston in the 90+6th minute, but the full-back couldn't find the back of the net. The second, in the same minute, was another ball into the box which found goalscorer David, whose shot caused a scramble on the line but couldn't be turned in.
Bench Strength Will Be Key Going Forward
Ultimately, Canada were unable to find an equaliser, but the changes made by Jesse Marsch in the second half gave Les Rouges the best possible chance to secure the point that would've seen them top Group B.
Going forward, substitutes could continue to prove vital for the Canadian national team if they are going to have any hope of progressing to the later stages of this tournament, especially as their star man, Alphonso Davies, will likely come off the bench in their round of 32 game, having not started a match since May.
