Canadian soccer team feels home country support ahead of semi-final
The Canadian men’s soccer team is eyeing a major upset against Argentina in semi-finals of the Copa America Games on Tuesday, and countless people in the Great White North will be watching them with anticipation and excitement.
“It’s evident that the imagination and spirit of Canadians has really got behind the men’s team,” Kevin Blue, CEO of Canada Soccer, told CTV Atlantic’s Todd Battis on Monday. “We’re really excited about that. Every time I come home after another good result, you can se the magic building.”
The men’s team defeated Venezuela in the quarter-finals last Friday – a game that saw Nova Scotian Jacob Shaffelburg score the opening goal.
“He’s been a huge contributor,” Blue said. “We’re looking forward to more magic from him.”
Blue said the team’s success is helping grow the popularity of soccer in Canada, which could create more opportunities for athletes in the country.
“It’s our responsibility to make sure these things help grow the support, that there are more people playing the sport and participation continues to grow,” he said. “There’s a sense of urgency to make sure we take these moments seriously. The impact of these results is significant for the program.
“What you also get with success is increased interest. Copa America is an opportunity for people to get on board.”
Canada will face Argentina at 9 p.m. Atlantic time on Tuesday. It will air on CTV2 and TSN.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Two-month GST holiday bill expected to pass the House today, Conservatives to vote against
The federal government's five-page piece of legislation to enact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised two-month tax break on a range of consumer goods over the holidays, is expected to pass in the House of Commons by the end of the day.
Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says
The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying off striking employees as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark.
Montreal shopping mall playing 'Baby Shark' song to prevent unhoused from loitering
A shopping mall and office complex in downtown Montreal is being criticized for using the popular children's song 'Baby Shark' to discourage unhoused people from loitering in its emergency exit stairwells.
B.C. man lied about cancer diagnosis while dodging $330K debt, court hears
A construction contractor from B.C.’s Lower Mainland has been ordered to repay a $330,000 loan from a friend who gave him leeway for years, despite her own financial suffering – all because she was under the false impression he had brain cancer.
Good Samaritan killed in tragic accident while helping stranded Calgary driver
Calgary police say a Good Samaritan who stopped to help another motorist was killed in an accident on Wednesday night.
Man jumps out of moving roller-coaster after safety belt fails
Terrifying video shows a man jumping out of a moving roller-coaster in Arizona after he says his safety belt failed.
The Vienna sausage stand is more than just a snack stall. Now it has a UNESCO heritage recognition
The Vienna sausage stand is a place where the street sweeper, the manager, the tourist and the celebrity converge for the same tasty snack. Now it also has the official stamp of approval as part of Austria’s heritage.
W5 Investigates 'Let me rot in Canada,' pleads Canadian ISIS suspect from secret Syrian prison
W5's Avery Haines tells the story of Jack Letts, a Canadian Muslim convert in a Syrian jail, accused of being a member of ISIS. In part two of a three-part investigation, Haines speaks with Letts, who issues a plea to return to Canada to face justice.
Competition Bureau suing Google, wants company to sell off two advertising services
The Competition Bureau is suing Google over alleged anticompetitive conduct in the tech giant's online advertising business and wants the company to sell off two of its services and pay a penalty.