What to know
- Supporters from across Canada travelled to Vancouver ahead of Canada’s second World Cup group-stage match against Qatar.
- Fans told Now Toronto they believe Canada has a strong chance to secure its first-ever World Cup victory.
- Many said the national team’s success has the power to unite Canadians from coast to coast, while some viewed the tournament as an opportunity for Canada to showcase itself to the world as a host nation.
- Canada’s next World Cup match after Qatar will be against Switzerland on June 24.
Canada’s second World Cup match is bringing fans from all over the country together in Vancouver to cheer on the home team as they prepare to face Qatar on Thursday.
The highly-awaited game kicks off at 7 p.m. in B.C. Place, and could be Canada’s chance to score their first ever World Cup win.
But hours before the players even stepped into the stadium, excited fans from all over the country were already gathering across Vancouver to support the home team, showing that the impact of Canada’s World Cup participation goes well beyond the field.
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‘We love Canada’: Fan shows support for the home team
Now Toronto spoke with some of the fans gathered in Vancouver to support the team, with many sharing their predictions for Thursday’s game and excitement in being one of the global event’s hosts.
Daniel Monson, a fan who travelled to Vancouver from Calgary to cheer on the team, said he decided to do so to show his love for the team. As a long-time Team Canada fan, he said “it’s a dream” to see them play.
“We love Canada. We’re here [to] support Team Canada, and we’re going to go for the three points tonight…I’ve never felt more Canadian than I do right now,” he said.
Hoping for the awaited first World Cup victory, Monson predicts the game will end with a 4–1 score, favouring the home team, which he says has the potential to unite the country even further.
“We’re gonna take it home. That’s gonna unite the country. I want to see all of us hugging, yelling, screaming, chewing gold tonight,” he added.
Fans predict first World Cup victory
Another excited fan, Dylan, is originally from Australia, but has been living in Vancouver for six years. Despite Australia also being on the run for the World Cup trophy this year, on Thursday, he is cheering for Canada to take the win.
Dylan believes the game will end with a two-goal victory for Canada, scoring the team three points to advance past the group stage.
“This team has a lot of talent, they’ve just got to believe, and they’ve got to go for it. Don’t underestimate Qatar, like Turkey did to Australia, but come out, be confident, and score,” he said.
‘It’s a great opportunity’: Fans excited to be a tournament host
Josie and Colin, a couple of fans coming from Fort McMurray in Alberta, also shared their hopes that the country will win, and said the victory might drive up the energy even more in Vancouver.
Beyond an opportunity to bring fans together, the couple also said hosting the tournament also gives Canada the chance to be in the global spotlight.
“I just want the energy, and I really appreciate the opportunity to represent the country. I mean, we’re hosting the world, so this is amazing energy. It’s a great opportunity for Canada to welcome the world and show the world what Canada is about: positive energy and love,” Josie said.
After facing Qatar at B.C. Place, Canada will face Switzerland on June 24.
