Canada’s World Cup success a ‘cultural touchstone’ for the country, soccer fans say

The Canadian World Cup team will move on to the round of 16 after a historic win against South Africa, and fans are feeling the joy. Adrian Ghobrial reports

TORONTO – On an artificial soccer pitch along Toronto’s Harbourfront, the feelings for the men’s national team are genuine.

“My eight-year-old said to me, ‘mom, no one thought they’d get this far, and look at them,’” Andrea Schaffer said Monday as she watched her six- and eight-year-old sons kick around a soccer ball. “That belief that if you work hard, it will pay off, it’s a huge lesson for the next generation.”

Canadians have been watching the World Cup in increasing numbers, and with increasing interest, from basements to living rooms, backyards to stadiums, watch parties to bars and cafes in towns and cities across Canada.

The 1-0 win over South Africa on Sunday is quickly becoming a “where were you when it happened?” moment, as Stephen Eustaquio’s right foot catapulted the men’s national team to a historic round of 16 appearance at the World Cup.

The rise of the men’s team has galvanized a nation. Along the Pacific Coast in Vancouver, there were scenes of patriotic pandemonium as Canada pushed through to the next round. A similar, triumphant tidal wave of emotion erupted along the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto.

Chris Vanden Brink and his family are visiting Toronto from Edmonton. He believes Canada’s win supersedes sport itself.

“We’re living in a time where we’re rethinking what it means to be Canadian,” Vanden Brink said. “Having cultural touchstones like soccer matches and the program succeeding like it never has before, I think that’s important to us as Canadians.”

“It’s bringing global and national unity,” added Schaffer. “We can unite around something as simple as a game, a sport, and all love it and share that love, and I believe that’s huge.”

It was certainly an emotional victory for those who have spent their lives growing the game in Canada. On her Instagram account, a video of Canadian women’s soccer legend Christine Sinclair watching the match, crying tears of joy, speaks to the meaning of the moment.

As the Canadian men’s team sealed their first ever knockout-stage win at the World Cup, Sinclair looked at the camera and admitted, “I’m crying” before smiling and saying, “OK, let’s book our flights.”

Thousands did book a flight to L.A., witnessing history in person, and thousands more are in the process of booking their travel to Houston, Texas for the round of 16 match.

Though back on Canadian soil, there are those who believe the legacy of this tournament is taking place in real time. As her children run around on the installed soccer pitch in Toronto for the World Cup, Schaffer shares what she’s witnessed from her own family.

“They’re starting to really love soccer, I know my six-year-old has really gotten into it this year, and I think it will stay with him,” she said. “My eight-year-old plays everyday at recess and they’re obsessed.”

Following Canada’s win on Sunday, head coach Jesse Marsch shared a passionate pitch side message with the entire team and staff.

“You are Canadian heroes! Canadian heroes! Canadian heroes for the future children of this country, who play this sport,” Marsch was heard yelling at his players.

It’s a message that hits the mark for children in Toronto, Vancouver and beyond.