Canada soccer treated to first World Cup match in generations
Some Canadian soccer fans in Vancouver lined up in the cold outside bars and restaurants nearly two hours before kickoff to make sure they got good tables for the country’s opening match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Once inside, they warmed up by belting out the national anthem before watching the game on the edge of their seats.
"Oh my god. This was amazing. We were there in '86 and sadly we didn't score any goals,” said fan Jody House, who watched the game at The Pint downtown.
“It's phenomenal to be here today."
Canada had their work cut out for them against Belgium, the number-two-ranked team in the world.
It didn’t take long after kickoff for the first of many "hold your breath" moments.
After video review showed a Belgian player committed a handball inside the 18-yard box, former Vancouver Whitecap Alphonso Davies lined up over the ball for a penalty shot.
Davies blasted a shot towards the lower left corner, but Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois lunged to make the save.
"Ninety per cent of the time that goes in. We were the 10 per cent,” said Canada fan Shayne Grimmer, who also watched the game at The Pint.
“But they bounced back and they kept playing hard and they didn't let that get to them."
Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi took a pass deep in Canadian territory late in the first half and chipped the ball past goalie Milan Borjan for the game’s only goal.
"In terms of a loss, that's as exciting as it gets,” said fan Aiden Steinke, who watched the game alongside Grimmer.
“We had most of the ball the entire game. We had lots of chances. But it's frustrating."
In a post-match interview, Canadian head coach John Herdman said he was proud of his team’s performance.
"It's how we respond now. With that belief and we keep the brotherhood tight ... we've got a chance,” he said.
It’s a sentiment shared by fans in Vancouver, who have waited a generation for this moment and are already looking forward to the next match.
"Why not Canada against anyone else in this tournament? I really believe we can make some magic happen,” said Grimmer, surrounded by fellow Canada supporters. “Let's just do it. We're all together. Let's go on the journey together."
Canada’s next match is Sunday against Croatia at 8 a.m., Pacific time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.