Wolves' Theo Corbeanu scores minutes into Canada bow
Young Wolves forward Theo Corbeanu has spoke of his delight after scoring just four minutes into his debut for Canada.
The 18-year-old is yet to play for Wolves’ first team but made an instant impression on international duty, wrapping up a 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Bermuda.
He came on in the 77th minute on Thursday night – playing in the United States, in Florida – and slotted home in the 81st.
“First of all, I’m really happy to have got the chance to come in and make my debut,” said Corbeanu.
“It’s even better to get the three points. It’s good that the team won as I thought they played well – first half and second half – and it was a dominant performance, overall.
“The goal is a bonus for me. I’m really happy and hope to continue like this, to keep scoring goals.”
Corbeanu has been one of the standout performers for Wolves’ under-23s this season, scoring four goals in 15 games.
He has been in and around Nuno Espirito Santo’s senior set-up too, regularly being involved in training and also making some matchday squads.
Corbeanu played internationally for Romania – his parents’ homeland – at youth level but then switched to his country of birth last year.
“It’s a great feeling, always, to score a goal,” he said.
“I’m hoping for more to come. This was a game where I was told to come in and make an impact, and I feel like that’s what I did.
“I tried my best in the few minutes that I was out there.
“But it was a good team performance and I’m very happy for that.”
Corbeanu will hope for another opportunity in Canada’s second qualifying match, taking on the Cayman Islands at 9pm (UK time) on Sunday evening.
He is joined in the squad by the likes of Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Cardiff winger Junior Hoilett.
Besiktas striker Cyle Larin, who grabbed a hat-trick, and Toronto midfielder Richie Laryea were the others on the scoresheet in the emphatic victory against Bermuda.
Corbeanu added: “I think that it’s a very talented squad full of great players – all over the pitch in literally every position.
“I think it’s a new generation coming up, and it’s our time.”
