Left side: Team Canada fan in Toronto, confident the team will take the win against Qatar. Right side: Canada fans flooding the streets of Vancouver in the march towards BC Place.
Canada is going into their second World Cup game today against Qatar, taking place at BC Place in Vancouver.
Canadians across the country are hyped and confident that the team will perform to their best abilities, and will take a win on home soil.
“We’ve come such a long way. We’re 30th in the world now,” said long-time Team Canada fan Daniel Monson. “4-1 Canada. I’m calling a big game here. 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.”
Last Friday, key forward Cyle Larin scored Canada’s second all-time World Cup goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Toronto erupted into cheers last game and fans are hoping for the same outcome today in Vancouver.
“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,” Vancouver based fan Josie told The Brandon Gonez Show.
For supporters of Team Canada, being able to rally behind their national team and show their passion on home soil makes this a truly significant moment.
“I feel like we’ve won already, because we got this amazing opportunity,” says Josie. “It’s a great opportunity for Canada to welcome the world, and show the world what Canada is about. Positive energy and love.”
Another Vancouver-based fan, Dylan believes Vancouver is the better host city over Toronto.
“I just think the ease of getting to the stadium, for one, like it’s just such an easy fan zone. It’s close to downtown, it’s a more beautiful location with the mountains. Way better,” says Dylan.
Team Canada fans in Toronto are just as confident as the West Coast that the team will defeat Qatar, especially now that team captain Alphonso Davies got cleared to play today.
“I think he’s gonna make an impact. I think that’s on the defensive end, maybe one up front,” a Toronto local told The Brandon Gonez Show.
Davies injured his hamstring while playing for Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinal in May.
Although fans are showing a lot of pride across the country, a Toronto local also expressed that she thinks Canada needs to work a bit harder on bringing people together during this historic time by celebrating more.
Speaking towards the disappointment of FIFA Fan Festival being delayed, opening its doors at 4 p.m. on Thursday due to heavy downpour earlier in the day, even though the festival is advertised as a rain-or-shine event.
“I think Canada could do a little bit better of a job of bringing us all together. They delayed it [FIFA Fan Festival] over the weather, and it’s beautiful,” a Team Canada fan told The Brandon Gonez Show.
The match between Canada and Qatar is set to begin at 6 p.m.
