Supporters travelled from Vancouver to Houston to cheer on Canada in Saturday’s World Cup round of 16 game, a historic first for this country
Article content
Back in January, Sean Freeze bought two $88 tickets for the World Cup’s round of 16, hoping against hope that Team Canada would still be in the mix.
Article content
It was far from a sure thing, as the Canadian men had never progressed that far during the planet’s largest sporting event.
Article content
Article content
But Freeze thought the scrappy team had “a decent chance,” and he turned out to be right.
Article content
On Monday, the day after Canada beat South Africa 1-0 to advance, he planned his trip to Houston, where the red-and-white face Morocco on Saturday.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
“It may be the best opportunity we’re going to get to watch Canada play at this level,” said North Vancouver’s Freeze.
Article content
Sunrise
Article content
“This round of 16 is pretty awesome … This event is exciting and huge and worldly, and great to begin with, but to be able to have your team (advance), especially when this hasn’t been something that’s been accessible to Canadians.”
Article content
Article content
Article content
“It’s FIFA fever,” said Whitecaps season ticket holder Alex Kanderka, who’s in Houston with her husband Dave.
Article content
They plan to march with their Voyageurs group to the Houston stadium and sit in the Canadian section to support the national team as it battles much-higher-ranked Morocco — hoping for an upset.
Article content
“You never know in football, and that’s the joy of football. We’re going to put all our heart and soul (into the game) and, you know, we’re so proud of the team,” added Kanderka, a FIFA volunteer at all seven B.C. Place Stadium matches in the tournament.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
As of late this week, FIFA had “limited availability” for the Canada-Morocco game, with last-minute tickets priced from $2,785 to $4,320 each.
Article content
Article content
Read More
Article content
Like Freeze, Chris Wood bought his Houston ticket awhile ago for $88, as a member of organizations that support Canadian soccer. Travel to these games is not cheap though, added Wood, who has seen three Canadian matches in this tournament, and is now in Houston.
Article content
His motivation is a “passion” for this sport, and the Canadian team in particular.
Article content
“Maybe it’s not the smartest thing you can do for your bank account, but it’s kind of once-in-a-lifetime,” the Kitsilano resident said.
Article content
“We’re sort of in this golden period of Canadian soccer.”
Article content
Wood celebrated Canada Day on Wednesday by getting the autograph of former Team Canada captain Atiba Hutchinson, who was at Jack Poole Plaza. “It was really cool.”
Article content
Article content
John Kushneryk feels intense Canadian pride when he hears the national anthem played at World Cup games — and is feeling prouder than ever this year.
Article content
“I never thought Canada would qualify in my lifetime,” said the 37-year-old mega supporter.
