Canada rallies behind the Reds before World Cup last-16 against Morocco | OneFootball

Canada is rallying behind its national team as a last-16 tie with Morocco looms on Saturday at 19:00. As reported by L'Équipe, anticipation is surging from coast to coast.

Toronto swelters in a heatwave, pushing fans indoors, while rain soaks Vancouver on the Pacific coast. Both cities staged Thursday’s World Cup seizièmes de finale, with Croatia beating Portugal 2-1 and Algeria overcoming Switzerland 2-0.

On the streets the mood ranges from buoyant to bullish. One Uber driver said locals who barely noticed football a month ago now believe Canada could upset Morocco, while a Moroccan vendor predicted his side are stronger and could win 2-0, noting Houston would not feel like home for the Canadians.

Morocco’s presence is felt across North America, particularly in Canada’s sizeable diaspora. Near Toronto Stadium, Jacques said he had already enjoyed the ride, having attended Canada-Bosnia on 12 June, a 1-1 draw, and planned to join a packed fan-zone on Saturday, heat permitting.

In Vancouver, football feels front and centre. Fitness coach Charles Lewis argued the sport has long mattered, cited talents like Alphonso Davies and even produced a photo as he claimed he trained Diego Maradona in 1997 after rehabilitation, adding the Argentine looked lean and powerful.

Travel south is costly for many. Amy said she paid two lots of 900 euros to see Switzerland-Algeria with her daughter, so following Canada in the United States feels out of reach, and by midday Saturday a nation will simply be dreaming of something big.

Source: L'Équipe