What’s next for Team Canada’s World Cup effort after loss against Switzerland

The FIFA World Cup is in our backyard this year and soccer fever has taken over in Victoria as the intensity starts to heat up at the tournament.

Unfortunately, Team Canada suffered their first loss on Tuesday, losing in a 2-1 contest against Switzerland.

The teams felt evenly matched in the first half, with both teams scoreless in the first 45 minutes of play.

The tone of the game changed quickly in the second half, with Switzerland scoring their first goal within the first 45 seconds of the half.

Switzerland’s second goal came about 10 minutes later, putting the Swiss up 2-0 over the host nation and quickly letting the air out of Vancouver’s BC Place.

With their backs against the wall, though, Canada turned up the heat.

An incredible goal in the 76th minute of play from Promise David, with a heroic assist from Nathan Saliba, injected hope back into the stadium and put Canada within one goal of the Swiss.

Unfortunately, after some good opportunities and shots on target from Canada, especially in the added time, several clutch saves from the Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer kept the score at 2-1.

The Canadians should be proud of their performance against a strong Swiss team, who beat other host nations USA and Mexico 4-0 and 4-2 respectively in friendly matches last year.

Luckily for Canada, their strong performance in the group overall means their tournament isn’t done yet.

With a draw to Bosnia and Herzegovina and a 6-0 win over Qatar, Canada finishes second in Group B, and will play against South Africa, the runner-up from Group A.

South Africa will be a tough opponent, with the entire country known to come together for their team.

The match will take place on Sunday, June 28th at 12 p.m. at the Los Angeles Stadium in California. Canada is favoured in the match.

This match will be the first time Canada has ever played in the Round of 32, and all eyes are on the team as they look to advance even further into the tournament and keep the dream alive.

In Victoria, thousands watched the game against the Swiss, with the heart of the action at Market Square in downtown Victoria.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Market Square (@marketsquarevic)

 Market Square is bound to be even more rowdy for the team’s match against South Africa on Sunday, as most should be off work and available to show support.

Team Canada will need the whole country behind them come Sunday, so make sure to put on your red and white and head down to Market Square, Langford Station, Browns Crafthouse Vic West, Boomtown or one of the many bars and restaurants in and around Victoria showing the match this weekend.

For more information on World Cup matches, visit the Downtown Victoria Business Association’s Summer of Soccer website here.