Canadian midfielder makes save of the year in FIFA World Cup tune-up match
With less than 10 minutes to go in the first half against Tunisia, Canadian midfielder Liam Millar made perhaps the greatest defensive play Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has ever seen.
Millar was deep in the attacking end when a Tunisian player chipped the ball over Canadian defender Joel Waterman’s head, creating a 2-on-0 rush toward goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
With Crépeau outnumbered, it seemed like a sure goal until Millar dove to block Tunisia’s Elias Saad’s shot, keeping the score level.
LIAM MILLAR WITH A SENSATIONAL BLOCK TO DENY TUNISIA THEIR FIRST GOAL OF THE GAME! 😤 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/wFdyt5VANQ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 1, 2026
In the post-game press conference, Marsch praised Millar’s hustle.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a play like Liam’s,” he said. “When you see how far he ran, where he started, and where he ended, you see his effort to protect our goal—it’s an amazing play.”
Marsch was seen celebrating in real time, running down the sideline and pumping both fists in the air.
Millar said that when he saw the ball go over Waterman’s head, he didn’t hesitate to track back.
“I put my head down and sprinted as fast as I could,” said Millar. “When I looked up, I hoped they would pass it across so I could slide and get my body in front of it.”
Jesse Marsch was impressed (Lucas Medeiros/Daily Hive)
After making the remarkable save, the Brampton, Ont., native celebrated by pounding his chest in front of The Voyageurs supporters’ section.
“I’m here to play my part and do what I can for the team,” said Millar. “Today, that was my part.”
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Canadian soccer fans reacted to Millar’s play on social media, with some calling it the save of the year and others saying it may have solidified his roster spot for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Either way, Marsch has a tough decision to make by the end of May.