Ottawa soccer fans celebrate Canada's World Cup appearance
Canada’s run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Morocco, but for many soccer fans in Ottawa this was still a victory for the country.
Late in the first half of play, the Canadian men’s national soccer team would score their only goal in the match against Morocco. But it was enough for the nearly 600 students at St. Joseph Catholic High School to jump up and cheer.
"It inspires the youth and it’s just a great experience and it’s amazing to see them at this stage," said Grade 11 student Mario Frangione. "I think now that they’re in it anything is possible."
There was plenty of excitement across the capital region for the third and final game for Canada, who even with a win would not be moving forward, and the energy levels of football fans did not drop.
As Morocco headed into the second half with a 2-1 lead, spectators at the Glebe Central Pub remained positive, loud and kept eyes glued to the many televisions, hoping for a comeback.
"It’s been a dream since I was a young kids to have Canada in the World Cup," says Aaron Hooper. "We belong on the football stage, just like the rest of the world is starting to believe in Canada.”
And as the 71st minute approached, Canada nearly scored again, the pub crowd was rowdy, as the ball bounced on the goal line.
"We’re just really proud. We don’t care, this is a celebration about the game," says Daniel Duff, president of Capital City Supporters Group.
"I’m very proud to see the same people that have turned out a year and a half a go for our qualification runs, they’re out in full force. The loyalists are here deservedly, so everybody is enthusiastic."
In the end, Canada was defeated, but for Duff and so many other fans, it was a triumph. Records were broken on the pitch; the men’s national team scored two goals during the three matches, a feat which has never been done before.
"People have waited generations for it and in true Canadian fashion we’ll do the curtain call as good as anybody else," Duff said. "Our expectations have been modest but we are impressed, we wanted one goal and we got two."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
BREAKING City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.