Soccer frenzy in the nation’s capital
Love for the beautiful game is at an all-time high as fans of all ages ready to cheer on Canada's men’s soccer team as they get set for the biggest game of their lives.
For weeks, bars have been packed for the Euro 2024 and the Copa America tournament. Tuesday night even casual soccer fans will be watching a historic moment for Canada in the ultimate David versus Goliath matchup.
“I want Canada to win. But like Argentina is obviously going to win. It's not really a competition,” said young soccer fan Hunter as he showed off his Lionel Messi Barcelona FC jersey. “This was when he was in his prime.”
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The Copa semi-final will be a rematch of the opening game in which Canada lost to Argentina. That was expected, but the incredible run since was not.
"For Canada, this has to be the biggest game in the history of the men's program,” said TSN 1200’s AJ Jakubec. "To play arguably the best player in soccer history in Lionel Messi and try and stop him from winning his third consecutive tournament. Argentina number one in the world, defending Copa America champions, defending World Cup champions. This is just an opportunity that you don't get very often."
Messi and his squad by far the favourites to win, but Team Canada has loyal supporters at the Gloucester Hornets Soccer Club.
"I think Canada is going to hold strong. You know i think they're going to hold strong and maybe score. Who knows?" said Carina Sharara, a member of the Hornets’ soccer club. "I'm excited for Jonathan David."
David, who had the lone goal that sunk Peru and delivered Canada's first win at Copa America, grew up playing for the club. Inspiring many of the young kids in Ottawa who love the game.
"It is like especially like because he came to hornets and knowing his jersey is signed in the clubhouse, like we have to support him," said Sharara.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israel intensifies bombardment of Gaza and southern Lebanon on the eve of Oct. 7 anniversary
A new round of airstrikes hit Beirut suburbs late Sunday as Israel intensified its bombardment of northern Gaza and southern Lebanon in a widening war with Iran-allied militant groups across the region. Palestinian officials said a strike on a mosque in Gaza killed at least 19 people.
Rare cloud formations ripple the sky over Ottawa
A unique form of clouds made an appearance over the skies of Ottawa on Sunday evening.
The cooking method you need to learn to get excited about vegetables this fall, expert says
'Eat more vegetables,' doctors and dietitians say over and over. But for many people, it’s hard to do, because they aren’t excited about veggies or just don’t like them.
Hurricane Milton is growing stronger as it blows toward Florida's Tampa Bay region
People across Florida were given notice Sunday that Hurricane Milton is intensifying rapidly and will likely be a major hurricane before slamming midweek into the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast.
New Far North hospital moves closer to being built after $1.8B design, build contract awarded
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and the Government of Ontario have awarded a $1.8 billion fixed-price contract to design, build and finance a new Far North hospital.
Inmate dies following assault at Toronto jail, another prisoner charged
A 54-year-old inmate at the Toronto South Detention Centre has been charged in connection with a deadly jail beating late last week that claimed the life of a 69-year-old prisoner.
Madonna's brother, Christopher Ciccone, dead at 63
Christopher Ciccone, a multihyphenate artist, dancer, designer and younger brother of Madonna, has died. He was 63.
'Environmental racism': First Nations leaders claim cancer-causing contamination was covered up
The people of Fort Chipewyan believe the federal government knew its water was contaminated and hid the issue for years. Now the chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is leading the call for immediate action.
Frequent drinking of fizzy beverages and fruit juice linked to an increased risk of stroke: research
New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton’s McMaster University.