SOCCER: CANADA GETTING PRIMED FOR 2022 WORLD CUP

By: Stephen Lylyk, RP Show Intern

It was over seven months ago on that fateful March day in Toronto when the Canadian Mens National Soccer team gave the country a moment to remember.  

“IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS, FROM OBSCURITY TO UNFORGETTABLE. THIS IS THE MOMENT THIS COUNTRY HAS WAITED FOR,” were the words that came from the Live broadcast as Canada finished off a 4-0 victory over Jamaica, clinching a berth in their first World Cup since 1986.  

Canada Soccer Secretary General Earl Cochrane appeared on the Rod Pedersen Show on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio this week to discuss the outlook as we sit a month out from the 2022 Qatar World Cup.  

“The World Cup has changed in 36 years,” laughed Cochrane. “I envision probably a lot of split jerseys, Canadian/German, etc. (referring to Canadians’ heritage and loyalty to their descendants).”

Cochrane discussed how Canada has spent the time preparing in advance of their first game in Doha Qatar on November 23.  

“We worked early on securing accommodations for the team,” said Cochrane. “We started building out this concept of a Canada house in Doha, and we’re well down the road on that. An announcement should come within the next couple weeks.” 

Cochrane also expressed the importance of engaging with Canadians who will be watching the tournament domestically.  

“We recognize that people across the country will be engaged more so than the tournaments they have watched in years past,” Cochrane explained. 

Coming off the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic qualifying for this tournament was different than it’s normally been.  

“In the middle of the Pandemic,” continued Cochrane, “we were playing home games in the US. Even back in January there were questions about whether we’d be able to play the games in Ontario given COVID restrictions at the time.” 

The journey to qualification was historic and it led to some iconic moments.  

One such moment was 27 year old Sam Adekugbe’s snowbank celebration in Edmonton. It was in the 51st minute after he scored a goal to put Canada up 2-0 vs Mexico where he leapt into the nearby snow.  

As Cochrane put it best, Canadians should be proud with what this group of men have accomplished. 

“Nothing that was placed in front of these guys seemed like a large enough obstacle that they couldn’t overcome. We’re all super proud of them.”  

With the history made by the men’s national soccer team, the growing sense of anticipation across the country has been noticeable.  

“I think this country never believed in us because we’ve given them nothing to believe in,” was how Men’s national coach John Herdman described the anticipation in a September interview. “They believe now.”