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
Justin Trudeau to step down as PM following Liberal leadership race
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as Liberal leader, and is proroguing Parliament as the Liberal Party of Canada embarks on the journey to replace him.
Trudeau resignation: recap key moments, analysis, reaction as it happened
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stepped down as Liberal leader. Here's a recap of key moments, analysis, and reaction as it happened.
Justin Trudeau steps down as Liberal leader. Who are the top contenders to replace him?
With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as Liberal party leader, several well-known political faces may be waiting in the wings for their opportunity to take his place.
'Together, what a great nation it would be': Donald Trump, Elon Musk react to Justin Trudeau's resignation
Amid news of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as leader of the Liberal party on Monday morning, reactions from prominent figures began piling in.
Trudeau says Parliament is 'prorogued' until March. What does that mean?
In his resignation speech on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Parliament would be prorogued until March, which will give the Liberal party time to find a new leader ahead of an expected confidence vote and early election.
Justin Trudeau is resigning, what will be his legacy? A look back at key political eras
In a seismic political move, Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to step down as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and prime minister, once his successor is named. This decision comes after more than nine years in the country's top job and nearly 12 years at the helm of his party.
Justin Trudeau resignation: Here's what he said in Ottawa today
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a speech about his political future Monday morning outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. Here's the message he delivered to Canadians.
Alberta government signs new oil and gas agreement with Enbridge
The Alberta government has signed an agreement with Enbridge that Premier Danielle Smith says will increase exports of the province's heavy oil to the United States.
Trudeau leaves mixed global legacy as he exits during turbulent time, analysts say
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will leave the world stage with a legacy of promoting feminist causes and focusing on Asia, along with criticism that Canada's actions fell short of the government's rhetoric.