Canada’s historic FIFA World Cup run got here to an finish Saturday with a 3-0 loss to Morocco within the Spherical of 16 in Houston, Texas.
Whereas many Canadians had been left heartbroken after the lads’s nationwide workforce’s deepest run ever at a World Cup ended, hundreds of others took to the streets and eating places to have fun.
In cities like Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, members of Canada’s Moroccan neighborhood erupted in celebration as Morocco superior to the quarterfinals.
One of many greatest names behind Morocco’s success additionally has Canadian ties.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was born in Montreal earlier than transferring to Morocco as a baby, helped anchor Morocco’s shutout victory.
Bounou has develop into one of many event’s standout goalkeepers all through the World Cup up to now.
In Montreal’s Petit Maghreb neighbourhood, dozens gathered at eating places alongside Jean-Talon Avenue carrying crimson Morocco jerseys and waving Moroccan flags.
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After a tense opening half through which Canada managed lengthy stretches of play, celebrations erupted when Morocco scored early within the second half.
A heavy police presence, together with mounted officers and members in riot gear, monitored the celebrations and labored to maintain crowds on the sidewalks.
Greater than 4,500 kilometres away in Vancouver, round 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 efficiency regardless of the consequence.
“Canada was taking part in like a really sturdy, assured workforce. They put Morocco again on their heels a little bit bit,” he stated. “However then within the second half we had been capable of rating two targets, end with a 3rd. Congratulations.”
Christa Aucy, honorary consul for the Kingdom of Morocco in British Columbia, stated the gathering mirrored the power of the native Moroccan neighborhood.
“We’re feeling nice. It’s been a incredible day,” she stated. “It’s been superior to play Canada. It was actually an honour, and what a recreation it was.”
Restaurant proprietor Mohamed El Haddi stated the World Cup has introduced the native Moroccan neighborhood collectively.
“We’ve accomplished this earlier than, however increasingly persons are getting excited as we progress,” he stated.
Morocco will face France within the quarterfinals on Thursday, whereas Canada’s event ends after its deepest-ever run on soccer’s greatest stage.
– With recordsdata from Dan Spector, World Information
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