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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.