Despite loss to Belgium, Canada’s FIFA World Cup play a win for Saskatoon soccer, businesses

As Canada hit the pitch at the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, the game was not only watched by many fans in Saskatoon, it's also providing a boom for sports bars.

Despite losing their first FIFA World Cup match in 36 years, the Canadian men’s soccer team held their own and continue to inspire the nation, say Saskatchewan soccer experts.

Team Canada fell to the number-ranked Belgium team by a score of 1-0 on Wednesday.

Not only has the team got the country rooting them on, they are paving the way for the next generation of soccer players and providing today’s youth with role models to look up to.

“For young players who walk around with Alphonso Davies jerseys on their back, who say ‘I can do it,’ and play soccer. I coach in the excel program and these players want to get to the next level. There is a real belief now for them to follow in these Canadian soccer players’ footsteps,” said soccer coach and Saskatchewan Soccer Association Technical Operations Coordinator Kelly Rawlings.

The World Cup is tough, with the world’s best, and even though Canada lost their first game, goal differential and wins will play an important role in the team advancing to the knockout round.

As is the case at every World Cup, there are always dark horse teams to surprise many.

“You have teams that have the quality and talent to be there. It’s no longer going to be European centred or dominated. I hope it happens again this year. We see it again and my heart is saying Canada makes it to the final,” said Saskatchewan Soccer Association Executive Director Rahim Mohamed.

“Canada has the skill and an excellent coach in Jon Herdman who has his team ready to run through walls for each other. They will be a tough opponent.”