Winnipeg footy fans fired up for Round of 16
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Footy frenzy continues into the Round of 16 this weekend from coast to coast to coast. With Canada’s historic second knockout match kicking off at noon Saturday against Morocco, the Free Press asked around the Winnipeg soccer community what this means for them heading into the game.
Robert Gale, former professional player and coach
SUPPLIED Robert Gale
What does this game mean to you as a soccer fan?
“The biggest game in men’s Canadian soccer history by far. For me, personally, I’ve coached over two-thirds of that squad in the national years team so I’m just really proud of the boys seeing them now on the biggest stage of all. I’ve known them at 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, etc… It’s just so nice to see them not just have this opportunity — but absolutely seize it.”
What does this game say about Canada as a soccer nation?
“It says what those of us have been in the game always believed — that we are a soccer nation. The women’s team carried us for so many years and we failed to capitalize on their successes in the past. So, hopefully, we can use this galvanizing effect on people across the country and continue to push on. We’re a nation of immigrants, we’re a nation that’s so culturally diverse and from people all over the world who’ve come from countries where soccer is the number one sport. I think this is really starting to show that and it’s just so nice of the Vancouver games to see the sea of red and people walking around the streets of Winnipeg now in Canada soccer jerseys.”
How are you going to be part of the game on Saturday against Morocco?
“I think I’ll just stick to watching it at home and taking it in with the family and being able to savour the occasion.”
What is your prediction for the final score?
“2-1 Canada.”
SUPPLIED Fabio Capone
Fabio Capone, Manitoba Bisons women’s head coach
What does this game mean to you as a soccer fan?
“There’s a lot of passion behind it. It’s proud as a Canadian to be at this stage and the trickle effect it’ll have on what comes to my future players, my own children. The pride and the platform that it’s created has told us how people have embraced it.”
What does this game say about Canada as a soccer nation?
“That we’re for real. We’ve arrived but at the same time now we have to perform. In many years past, we were the underdogs but now we have set the stage in a standard. We have to, as a nation, embrace that as well.”
How are you going to be part of the game on Saturday against Morocco?
“Honestly just by myself with the kids in front of a TV. That’s how I watch games that are important for me because — from a coaching perspective — I watch the game and everything that’s happening so I can soak it all in.”
What is your prediction for the final score?
“I’m a proud Canadian but, from a coaching perspective, I think Morocco is a sound competitor that want it just as much as we do. For this game in particular, we’re the underdog. My heart says we pull it off but my soccer Spidey senses say that… this one favours Morocco. It could get away from us.”
SUPPLIED Sarah Klassen isn’t a bandwagon jumper. She has been a superfan of soccer ever since she was a kid.
Sarah Klassen, local avid soccer fan
What does this game mean to you as a soccer fan?
“It’s so exciting. To be so passionate about your country and watching them play but also the fact that they get to go so far for the first time and we get to be a part of it as a fan — it’s so great.”
What does this game say about Canada as a soccer nation?
“That we are more than capable.”
How are you going to be part of the game on Saturday against Morocco?
“I’m going to be with my family. We’re going to be in front of the TV yelling and screaming at everything that happens.”
What is your prediction for the final score?
“Morocco is going to score first and then Canada is going to come back in the second half with two bangers.”
Tonya Derkson, PPL Bonivital Flames women’s coach
DUNCAN HASKER PHOTO Tonya Derkson
What does this game mean to you as a soccer fan?
“The world. It’s huge. It’s incredible. Having Canada in a knockout round for the first time in the men’s World Cup is huge.”
What does this game say about Canada as a soccer nation?
“We’re growing. We’re competing at higher levels, competing against Morocco which is a top nation. I think it puts Canada on the map in the men’s World Cup.”
How are you going to be part of the game on Saturday against Morocco?
“My family and friends are going to be cheering them on at the cabin together, yelling at the top of our lungs every single moment.”
What is your prediction for the final score?
“It’s going to be a tight game, I think it’s going into extra time. It’ll end 1-1 then go into extra time with Canada coming out on top — a gritty on top late goal: 2-1.
sports@freepress.mb.ca
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