Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
I remember being a foolish 12 year old in 2000, thinking that Canada winning the Gold Cup meant that Craig Forrest was going to lead Canada to the World Cup in 2002. Unfortunately that excitement was short lived.
Over the last 22 years since then I'd be lying if I said I was more than a casual observer of Canadian soccer. I'd generally pay attention during the Gold Cup, and would keep an eye on them in World Cup Qualifying, but really there was never much to be excited about. 2014 and 2018 showed some promise but they couldn't get over that hump of Honduras and into the Hex.
Really though sometimes all it takes is a spark, and I do believe that spark is Alphonso Davies. Honestly I believe him breaking out on the World stage in 2019 has triggered a confidence in this Canadian team that they have never had before. And I think you see it just building now. I think everyone was worried going into these last couple sets of games without Davies, but the rest of this team has really stepped up. Eustaquio, Larin, David, Buchanan, Laryea, etc have all really shown that they have the class to play on the World stage as well.
I really hope this is the start of a long string of qualification for this group. IMO nothing represents the cultural melting pot that is Canada better than our Men's and Women's Soccer teams.
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I think it's also going to spark interest in dual-nationals who contemplating playing for Canada or their other country, which will help solidify Canada for 2026. We won't just be there as hosts, but to make some noise.