Canada plays Ireland to 1-1 draw in final tune-up before FIFA World Cup

Maxime Crepeau shed tears during "O Canada" a day after earning the nod as the country's No. 1 goalkeeper for the FIFA World Cup.

The 32-year-old from Candiac, Que., then showed why he's the man for the job in a stellar performance before his hometown fans Friday night at Stade Saputo.

Despite being the better side most the evening, No. 30 Canada surrendered a first-half lead and played to a disappointing 1-1 draw against lower-ranked Ireland in its final tune-up before the global showcase.

The result could have been worse if not for Crepeau.

"He's our number one," midfielder Ismael Kone said. "It's not for nothing."

Canada opens the World Cup against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto before heading to Vancouver for group-stage matches against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.

Crepeau — named the starting keeper Thursday to settle a years-long battle with Dayne St. Clair — prevented Ireland from taking a lead with a diving save on a point-blank shot by Mason Melia in the 83rd minute.

Melia received the ball alone on the edge of the six-yard box after Canadian wingback Niko Sigur failed to block a cross.

What looked like a surefire goal instead became a highlight-reel save as Crepeau dived left to deny the Irish forward, lighting up a boisterous sellout crowd of 19,619 red-clad fans — and disappointing a section of Irish green.

"He looked really good and sharp the whole game, was the last defender in a really good way," said Marsch, who'd called the No. 1 goalkeeper decision the toughest of his coaching career. "And what a great save. What an incredible save.

"Yeah, we know we can count on Max."

Crepeau also leapt to his left to stop Troy Parrott's penalty attempt in the second half before Chiedozie