World Cup: Soccer fans inspired by Canada’s performance against Belgium

For the Canadian ploughsharecer Fansthe excitement of seeing their country contest the men’s World Cup for the first time in 36 years gave way to disappointment on Wednesday as their side narrowly missed out.

Although Canadians lost 1-0 at Belgiummany Fans who gathered at watch parties across the country said they were inspired by the team’s performance.

Felicia Wall, who was watching the game at the Croatian Cultural Center in Vancouver with her brother Nik, said she was proud despite the result.

“It’s fun to see our whole nation being able to cheer Canada instead of Italy, or Germany, or wherever we’ve had to cheer on before, and to really feel that the nation is coming together for one team…it’s really inspiring,” said Wall, dressed a red shirt with a Canadian Logo.

The pubs and restaurants of Commercial Drive in Vancouver were full of Fans hoping to see the Canadian ploughshareThis team scores its first-ever World Cup goal. At halftime, Fans took to the streets to wave flags and chant “Canadaas cars honked in support.

It was a while Fans said they had waited their whole lives.

Morgan Stacey, who was not born last time Canada was in the World Cup, said it was ‘pretty incredible’ to cheer on the team Canada. “It’s the first time in my life that I’ve seen them participate in this tournament,” he said. Stacey, 28, watched at the Burgundy Lion Pub in Montreal, which was at capacity at kickoff, with more anticipation Fans waiting to enter.

As Canada ready to take a penalty at the start of the match, Fans were on the edge of their seats, screaming as star winger Alphonso Davies lined up for the shot. Excitement turned to dismay when the Belgian keeper stopped the attempt.

Students at St. Nicholas Catholic Junior High in Edmonton, where Davies attended and played in the ploughsharecer academy, said they saw their favorite alumnus play on the biggest ploughshareThis scene was inspiring.

“It’s amazing to think that someone from Edmonton, Alberta is going to St. Nic’s and going to such a high level with such incredible footballers. It just inspires me to be able to do the same,” said 13-year-old Malik McDonald, a student at ploughsharecer academy who plays as a striker.

The school students filled a gymnasium where the Canadian star used to play and watch the game on a giant screen.

“It’s really motivating, because someone in my position has come so far in their career, it gives you hope that you could get there, if you try hard enough,” said fellow student Mary Mahe. of St. Nicholas.

In Montreal, home to a large Belgian community, all Fans who turned out to watch were arguing Canada. As Belgium scored the game’s only goal, there were enthusiastic cheers at the Lion de Bourgogne, but some of those cheers were tinged with disappointment.

“It didn’t go far. I suffered a lot with all these Canadians around me because I love Canadabut i’m happy Belgium won,” said Nicolas Spieckerman, a 42-year-old from Belgium.

Fellow Belgian David Dejean, 44, had a similar assessment. “I was disappointed for my Canadian friends. We didn’t deserve to win,” he said.

Even though Canada fell behind at the end of the first half, Fans remained hopeful throughout the game.

Canadian women’s team captain Christine Sinclair, who was among dozens of Fans watching the game at an electronics store in the Eaton Center in Toronto, said she had waited her whole life to see Canadaon a World Cup pitch. She thinks they have a chance to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.

“I was very impressed with how Canada showed up. They played pretty well, all half-time, dominated BelgiumSinclair, 39, said during the halftime break. “But unfortunately sport is cruel, and there’s a reason why Belgium is one of the best teams in the world. They get a chance and put it in the back or the net. Now Canada must hunt.

The men’s World Cup performance “will only help the sport grow here in Canada,” she added.

CanadaThe next match is on Sunday morning against 2018 runners-up Croatia.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on November 23, 2022.

– With files from Marisela Amador in Montreal, Bob Weber in Edmonton, Sharif Hassan in Toronto and Nono Shen in Vancouver.