Canada’s historic FIFA World Cup run got here to an end Saturday with a 3-0 loss to Morocco within the Round of 16 in Houston, Texas.
While many Canadians were left heartbroken after the lads’s national team’s deepest run ever at a World Cup ended, 1000’s of others took to the streets and restaurants to have fun.
In cities like Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, members of Canada’s Moroccan community erupted in celebration as Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals.
Considered one of the most important names behind Morocco’s success also has Canadian ties.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was born in Montreal before moving to Morocco as a baby, helped anchor Morocco’s shutout victory.
Bounou has turn into one in every of the tournament’s standout goalkeepers throughout the World Cup thus far.
In Montreal’s Petit Maghreb neighbourhood, dozens gathered at restaurants along Jean-Talon Street wearing red Morocco jerseys and waving Moroccan flags.
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After a tense opening half through which Canada controlled long stretches of play, celebrations erupted when Morocco scored early within the second half.
A heavy police presence, including mounted officers and members in riot gear, monitored the celebrations and worked to maintain crowds on the sidewalks.
Greater than 4,500 kilometres away in Vancouver, around 60 supporters packed a Moroccan restaurant in Yaletown to observe the match.
Otto Outn, who travelled from Morocco and now lives in Vancouver, praised Canada’s performance despite the result.
“Canada was playing like a really strong, confident team. They put Morocco back on their heels somewhat bit,” he said. “But then within the second half we were in a position to rating two goals, finish with a 3rd. Congratulations.”
Christa Aucy, honorary consul for the Kingdom of Morocco in British Columbia, said the gathering reflected the strength of the local Moroccan community.
“We’re feeling great. It’s been a implausible day,” she said. “It’s been awesome to play Canada. It was really an honour, and what a game it was.”
Restaurant owner Mohamed El Haddi said the World Cup has brought the local Moroccan community together.
“We’ve done this before, but increasingly persons are getting excited as we progress,” he said.
Morocco will face France within the quarterfinals on Thursday, while Canada’s tournament ends after its deepest-ever run on soccer’s biggest stage.
– With files from Dan Spector, Global News
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