Canadian soccer fans erupted in cheers inside Ottawa’s Glebe Central Pub as Canada scored their first men’s world cup goal just minutes after Sunday’s game.
Eldrinson Ford of Ottawa was overcome with emotion.
“When you’ve been a soccer fan for more than 20 years, seeing Canada score is a really special moment that you can’t control,” said Vado.
“I think I passed out for a second,” Eddie Behin said. “I can’t believe we scored that soon.”
The historic moment was something a Canadian soccer player has been waiting decades to see.
“Just being there is a success; scoring a goal is incredible,” said Carl Hawthorne of the Ottawa Athletic. “Look around you, it just shows how far football has come on the field in the city.”
Alphonso Davies’ goal was the first by a Canadian in the international tournament.
But Canada’s joy was short-lived, as Croatia took the lead, eventually winning 4-1.
“We are disappointed, but we are still proud, we are still cheering,” said supporter Ejamil Mbae. “It’s been, what, 36 years since we got to the World Cup?”
The loss means Team Canada has been eliminated from advancing in the tournament, but fans were still excited about the team’s performance on the world stage.
“We more than proved that we deserve to be there,” said supporter Sarah Rutherford.
The team still has one game to play in Group F before returning home. They will face Morocco on Thursday.
