Soccer fans at the Kal Sports Bar in Vernon cheer on a shot attempt as they watch Canada take on Belgium at the 2022 FIFA World Cup (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

FIFA World Cup

Local soccer fans turn out to cheer on Canada

Nov 23, 2022 | 12:23 PM

Canada has made it to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, and local fans were out cheering for the team Wednesday.

Canada opened the tournament with a game against Belgium at 11 a.m., Nov. 23, and over 20 people filled up a section of the Kal Sports Bar in downtown Vernon to watch the match.

Speaking with Vernon Matters, several of the local spectators said it was great to see Canada competing in the global soccer tournament.

“It’s amazing. We’re not just represented but we have a chance, and it means big things for the game in Canada. I think kids getting to see this, we’ll see where it goes, but the fact that we’re there is just incredible,” Bryan Grahn said.

“I’m 35, so [Canada’s] never been in it since I’ve been alive. I think it’s pretty cool to see Canada get to this level in a sport that’s not traditionally what people think are Canadian,” Jake, who did not wish to provide his last name, said.

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Some of the patrons felt there was a sort of camaraderie created out of watching the match together at the bar.

“Probably not as many people in here as there would be if it was Vancouver or Calgary in the Stanley Cup Final, but I think the people here are pretty passionate,” Pete MacDougall said.

“It’s so nice to have community like this, even though it’s a smaller crowd, just how people get connected with the game and everyone’s starting to talk and interact. It’s just nice to have interaction and camaraderie when there’s a game like this. It reminds me of the Olympics when it was happening. It’s fun how sports bring people together,” Staci Grahn said.

When the spectators were speaking with Vernon Matters, the score was still 0-0 20 minutes into the match, but the fans were pleased with Canada’s performance.

“Thus far, I would say Canada is outplaying [Belgium], so that’s a good sign,” Jake said.

“The first 15 minutes [Canada was] the dominant team. Belgium had one chance but we’ve had three or four half chances, plus one really good one,” MacDougall added.

UPDATE: Canada dominated the scoring chances in the game, but lost 1-0 to Belgium.

Canada will next play Croatia at 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, and will close out the group play with a match against Morocco at 7 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1.