Winnipeg fans share cheers and tears during Canada's historic World Cup game
Soccer fans and Canadian sports lovers packed watch parties Sunday to catch the Canadian Men's National Soccer Team's historic World Cup run.
It was an early Sunday wake-up call for those wanting to catch Canada face-off against the 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia.
"Very excited," said Glen Hampton, who was cheering for Canada. "I think down south they were calling it the red wave, and I think we got it up here."
Watch parties like the one at the King's Head Pub were packed with red and white clad fans.
"It's electric in there. I've been having so much fun. There are chants. There are tables full of people getting to know each other and supporting Canada," said Matthew White, who was watching the game at the bar.
"There's nothing better, honestly," said Chris Czescik, another fan at the watch party. "You come to the King's Head and the boys are watching. We're drinking some beers having a good time."
Ultimately, Canada lost 4-1, but not every soccer fan was disappointed. Croatian-Canadians in Winnipeg were thrilled with the result.
"It's cool to see Canada but Croatia is always the team I'm going to cheer for," said Emily Magdic, who attended the Croatian watch party.
"If it was any other sport or competition Canada would be number one in my heart, but soccer is something I've always cheered for Croatia," said Joe Brnjas, organizer of the Winnipeg Croatia Soccer Club.
Even in defeat, Canadians could still celebrate the team scoring its first world cup goal ever.
"We got that one goal. It was amazing. It's just exciting," noted Hampton.
"Win or loss, regardless, we are Canadian and love Canada. Let's go, Canada, baby!" exclaimed Czescik.
Canada is now out of World Cup contention, but fans are taking solace in knowing the young team will only get better and inspire even more amazing Canadian talent.
"We are starting to see a lot more emphasis on getting younger players into soccer, and an event like this and having Canada in it can only help that," said Hampton.
Canada will play one last game against Morocco on Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Defence minister says Canada supports U.S. downing of Chinese balloon
The federal defence Minister says Canada 'unequivocally supports' the United States government's decision to shoot down a high-altitude surveillance balloon that was suspected of spying for China, noting the balloon violated Canadian airspace.

U.S. downs Chinese balloon, drawing a threat from China
The U.S. military on Saturday shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. China insisted the flyover was an accident involving a civilian aircraft and threatened repercussions.
'It's devastating': Homeless Canadians at risk as Eastern Canada endures extreme cold, advocates say
As the majority of Eastern Canada stays indoors during an extreme cold weather alert, homeless shelters are struggling to keep up with the demand from unhoused people as temperatures continue to drop.
Extreme cold can bring frostbite and hypothermia. Here are the symptoms to watch for
Canadians will continue to bundle up in the country's east this weekend as a recent bout of extreme cold persists in much of Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. CTVNews.ca looks at the signs and symptoms for frostbite and hypothermia to watch for if exposed to extreme cold.
China says it strongly opposes U.S. move to shoot down balloon
China's foreign ministry said on Sunday that it expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition towards the United States' use of force to attack its airship.
Poor oral health could affect the brain later in life: early study
An early study has shown keeping your gums and teeth healthy may have added benefits for your brain health.
Federal government asking RCMP to ban use of sponge rounds, CS gas for crowd control
The federal government says it wants the RCMP to ban the use of two crowd-control tools that forces across the country say they have in their arsenals: sponge rounds and CS gas.
Extremely cold temperatures prolong cold weather alerts for much of Eastern Canada
A cold snap that triggered Environment Canada alerts involving eight provinces and territories extended into a second day on Saturday, shattering several past temperature records and leaving thousands of customers in Atlantic Canada without power.
Toronto named as host city for 2024 NHL all-star game
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Saturday the league's 2024 showcase will be played in Toronto for the ninth time.