Canadian fans proud of first goal of ‘legacy moment’ despite banishment from tournament

Excitement and jubilation after Canada scored its first goal in the men’s World Cup gave way to dismay after Croatia returned with a string of goals to end the team’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds of the tournament. I got

Fans were the first to scream, leap from their seats and hug at a sold-out watch party in downtown Toronto on Sunday when Alphonso Davis scored the historic goal.

The star winger and Bayern Munich player headed the ball home to give Canada a 1-0 lead over Croatia just after the first minute of a do-or-die match. Davis’ teammate hit his 22-year-old Davis from Edmonton with his flag in the corner and the whole country celebrated.

The nearly 100 fans in the West End, dressed in Canada’s red and white colors, again cheered and some shook their heads in disbelief during the goal replay. . But after Croatia hit back with her four consecutive goals to win her 4–1, the momentum leveled off and fans watched quietly.

“It’s a little disappointing, but I’m still proud of the team. Canadian fan and former footballer Dominic Dyke said, ‘Everyone is proud, the whole country is proud.’

Dyke called the team’s strong performance and Davis’ goal a “statement” of the world in which Canada can compete in sports.

“The whole match is a learning experience and we will only grow from it,” he said, adding that he will continue to support Canada at this World Cup and beyond.

Canadian fan Tad Kitava said he was thrilled with the only goal he described as historic, adding that the enthusiasm and camaraderie in the room when it happened was incredible.

“They are young players with no experience on the world stage,” Kitaba said. “I am not disappointed that we lost…they will move on and succeed next time.”

Matthew Dicker said Davis’ goal “quickly became a Canadian heritage moment”.

“I feel as good as anything else [Canadian] “A sporting moment,” he said, adding that the goal may be remembered as a pivotal occasion for Canadian football. He said he will never forget what he felt in the room.

The Canadians entered a contest that needed at least a point to keep their hopes of progressing out of the group stage.

The Canadian returns home from Qatar after a tournament match against Morocco on Thursday and hopes for a win. In Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Belgium, he was brilliant in his first showcase of international football in 36 years, but failed to convert many chances and neither scored nor scored a point. .

The national team failed to score or secure points in their first trip to the 1986 tournament, exiting after three first-round losses in Mexico.

Lauren Wharton, a soccer player at Toronto’s Central Technical School, said it was a great feeling to watch the game with only enthusiastic Canadian fans.

“Honestly, I wanted to cry,” Wharton said in response to the goal. “I am glad to hear that [Davies] Okay… it just felt right that he scored.

Davis looked set to end Canada’s World Cup scoring drought in Wednesday’s opener against Belgium, but his penalty kick was saved by the Belgian goalkeeper.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford took to Twitter to congratulate Davis on his goal and said history was made.

At Montreal’s Burgundy Lion Pub, the crowd cheered as Davis put Canada on the board, but the mood changed after Croatia’s comeback.

Stati Phokas said she was “devastated” by the loss, but was ultimately happy to share a “proud moment” with her friend.

Another fan, Adi Biccani, said: “I didn’t expect to concede so many goals, so it was really disappointing.” “[Canada] I didn’t have enough control over the game.”

Attendee Nancy Cholet decided to focus on Davis’ very emotional goals.

“I’ve been watching football for as long as I can remember, and just thinking about scoring, it was great that ‘Phonsie’ scored,” she said. “She had tears in her eyes.”

— With the files of Maricela Amador of Montreal.

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This article was produced with financial support from the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

Tyler Griffin, Canadian Press

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