Can u feel it, U20 World Cup begins!!!

[Red CB Toronto]

Hope the RPB tradition continues and rocks 112 with the U20 World Cup, it is important to give the future of the CWNT a true BMO Field experience. With TFC on the road the next few weeks, it's time to go all out and show our support.

[Red81]

no, not really ... unless they're in beach volleyball uniforms

[gunnerken]

I will be there with my daughter (in 112)...still have some of my voice left after the Montreal game!

Hopefully we can get the section (and crowd) rockin' for our girls ! I CAN feel it...

[reggie]

what are the ticket sales like?

[OgtheDim]

what are the ticket sales like?

Ticketmaster shows a few hundred left for tomorrow's game.

[flamehawk]

I am pretty excited about the game tomorrow, taking advantage of the four tickets deal. I am still really bummed out that Toronto won't be getting a single Women's World Cup game next year because of Pan Am, which noone even cares about.

[kodiakTFC]

anywhere to buy tix without paying absurd fees?

[kodiakTFC]

I am pretty excited about the game tomorrow, taking advantage of the four tickets deal. I am still really bummed out that Toronto won't be getting a single Women's World Cup game next year because of Pan Am, which noone even cares about.

I am very interested to see how well the PanAm games does. I'll probably check out a few events but honestly have no idea if it'll be a success.

[mowe]

SUPER hyped. Unfortunately I can't make the game tomorrow. Will definitely try to go on Friday though. This tournament will do nicely as a teaser for next year.

We can do some real damage in the U-20s though. Gold is within reach. If nothing else it should be a great experience for the young girls who are expected to contribute for the senior team next year.

[prizby]

I am very interested to see how well the PanAm games does. I'll probably check out a few events but honestly have no idea if it'll be a success.

depends...if PanAM can get most of the events (especially basketball) to be qualifiers for the 2016 Olympics, we'll get better athletes...would love to see the soccer be the olympic qualifier

[Fort York Redcoat]

anywhere to buy tix without paying absurd fees?

The link below will take you to a pass for all the games for very cheap. You will have to pick it up from socceronly at Joe's I suspect pregame. Feel free to ask around for him or myself. We'll both be there early.

http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread.php?36386-Five-passes-left-to-U20

(http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread.php?36386-Five-passes-left-to-U20)

[Fort York Redcoat]

Hope the RPB tradition continues and rocks 112 with the U20 World Cup, it is important to give the future of the CWNT a true BMO Field experience. With TFC on the road the next few weeks, it's time to go all out and show our support.

/LrYzjLeQ2nk

[Fort York Redcoat]

I am pretty excited about the game tomorrow, taking advantage of the four tickets deal. I am still really bummed out that Toronto won't be getting a single Women's World Cup game next year because of Pan Am, which noone even cares about.

See you there.

I'm pretty sure everybody going tonight, people here, and all the local V's care that we didn't get any games for the WWC June 6 - July 5 "because of" the Pan Am games July 11- 24(footy).

There's road trips being talked about already if you're interested.

[Leedsoronto]

Canada appear to have striker issues, (no one strikes) possession was good and several good chances were wasted, hopefully they can improve next game.

[OgtheDim]

Canada appear to have striker issues, (no one strikes)...

So has every Canadian NT since the 70's.....except for Sinclair and Lang with the U20 women in 2002.

[TFC07]

Canada appear to have striker issues, (no one strikes) possession was good and several good chances were wasted, hopefully they can improve next game.

Also, Canada was very predictable and slow (holding on the ball too long to make a pass) which made easier for Ghana to defend against Canada and hit them with counter attack. Of course, bad goalkeeping was difference between draw and loss for Canada.

[jazzy]

Kadiesha Buchanan was a monster on D #5, a definite star in the future . Maybe the best CB in the tournament and Nichelle Prince changed the game as a striker when she came on as a substitute , great touch and balls out attitude . we will need more of that . She should start . We had the majority of possession but got flustered on the attack . If not for the goalkeepers rebound for 1 goal , we would have broken them down . Our fine passing should have continued into the box instead of individual efforts , not having an outlet pass or give and go . And too many corners or free kicks in the air where we were completely dominated , by the greater size advantage of Ghana .After so many failures we should have tried short quick on the ground passes to create better chances . We should have tied or won .

[Leedsoronto]

Second half rocked, well done Canada !!! Much improved performance.

[flamehawk]

Second half rocked, well done Canada !!! Much improved performance.

I had an amazing time. One of my more memorable experiences at bmo field. Loved engaging with Ghanaian fans. This is how we grow support for Canadian football.

[andyc]

That was an amazing evening! The Ghana fans singing "Oh Canada" was brilliant and felt like a breakthrough moment in supporting Canada. The celebration at the end felt like we had won the world cup! 8-)

Fort York Redcoat - Thank you! You did a great job especially in the first half keeping everyone going.

[Voodooman]

Woooo what a game! Awesome job everybody! I had a blast from Shoeless, to the game itself.

The Ghana fans were also a lot of fun, great class by waving their flag as well aha.

Not to mention what a comeback...now if Canada could actually get a goalie that doesn't scare me as much as Toskala did we could be ok.

[gunnerken]

Great comeback by our girls in red in the second half...the 2 substitutions were critical (easy to say since they both scored!) and they seemed to gain a lot of confidence going forward as the game progressed. The Finns were very aggressive early but seemed to tire in the second half.
The Ghanian dynamic was amazing! Especially after Tuesday's defeat, which left a sour taste and then to have their energy on our side...the combo flag pole move was epic.
Thanks to Pete (and the other capo who waltzed over and whipped up the Ghana section into a frenzy at one point) for leading the charge...an awesome night for me and my daughter to spend together.

And another first for me at BMO...the Mexican wave...who'd have thunk it?

Good luck in Montreal...Go Canada!

[Alixir]

That was some great football to watch last night. The games have been quite entertaining. Some of these girls at their young age make some of our senior men look bad. Fast, Physical, and a lot of talent.
I wish the MLS would do what J league does in Japan where every team has a ladies affiliate team. Really the only difference between womens footie and mens footie are the ponytails.

[flamehawk]

That was some great football to watch last night. The games have been quite entertaining. Some of these girls at their young age make some of our senior men look bad. Fast, Physical, and a lot of talent.
I wish the MLS would do what J league does in Japan where every team has a ladies affiliate team. Really the only difference between womens footie and mens footie are the ponytails.

Was just thinking this yesterday. I would love to get season tickets for a TFC ladies team.

Really makes me think that the naysayers that continue to denigrate the women's game are just plain sexist.

[Fort York Redcoat]

One of the best nights supporting Canada at home I've ever had. Thanks to all who made it out and lent their voices. Enlisting the Ghanain support was heart warming as was seeing Miss Emma Fletcher #20 raise my Voyageurs scarf. The girls were truly thankful for our support through this, everyone! Great job!

[Dreadlocks]

Great come back and great energy from the crowd. One of the best match experiences I have ever had.

In 1987, the men's u16 world cup took place here and games were at Varsity stadium. My mom took me to see Canada play in my first international competition and it was something I'll never forget. Last night, I took my 7 year daughter to see her first international match, with my mom! Again, something I will keep in my heart until I die.

[Villa TFC]

What an amazing evening. Easily one of the best live match experiences I have ever attended. When Canada came charging out for the second half you knew they were going to try their hardest, but even in your wildest dreams it was hard to imagine we'd score three unanswered goals and win.

And as for the Ghanaians? Wow. I have been attending international matches in this city since the days of the Toronto Blizzard. I've seen 40+ countries play here at U-16, U-20 and senior level, men and women. I have seen national teams from South and Central America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa and Asia and not one group of supporters from anyone of those countries has ever come close to matching the Ghanaians for enthusiasm, energy and most importantly for me, class! I'm not going to name names here, but I have been at matches where the hyphenated Canadians of some countries refuse to stand for the Canadian national anthem or talk right through it. I've seen Canadian teams booed by 'Canadian' fans simply for beating their parents' team. The Ghanaians showed everyone how it's done: be proud of your heritage and your country, but never turn your back on your home. Cheer for both enthusiastically.

TFC should sign Michael Essien just so we can have several thousand Ghanaians rocking BMO every week! :)

[SuperTCP]

Great night, great result, and great energy out of section 112, etc. I took 11 friends with me and most of them as well as others we told we were attending the game did not know Canada was even hosting the event. Marketing fail as I feel if better promoted the stadium would of been filled.

[Still Kicking]

I attended last night's games with my wife and two life-long soccer playing daughters. Everything said above I heartily echo.
The way the Ghanian-Canadians got behind the Canadian team was incredible. The way their afro-beat wrapped itself around "O Canada" had me wiping tears of joy.
The comeback and the quality of both teams.
I entered the stadium yesterday in one category - wondering why MLSE has not launched a Women's TFC.
I left the stadium yesterday in another category - firmly convinced that to continue without a Women's TFC is simply staggering...

[flamehawk]

http://www.maple-leaf-forever.com/2014/08/09/we-didnt-all-cheer-for-canada/

I just came across this blog post that really made me boil, basically decrying attempts by Canadian supporters to connect with Ghanian supporters during the game. Apparently, they left the game after the end of the first half because of it...


think what is missing is discussion of the context of supporters of ‘old countries’ – I can’t speak for people that support their old European country whom their only connection with is through a great grandfather, but for those newly immigrated from the global south and their recent offsprings, we live in a context where – despite Canada’s self-proclaimed idea as accepting/tolerant – racism is alive and well and racialized people continue to be seen as outsiders. My roommate and I are both first generation immigrants from Hong Kong and I recently had a conversation with him about how we’d have mixed feelings about supporting Canada over HK and it was tied to this idea that Canadian football support can be exclusionary, a reflection of broader inequities, and just as we don’t necessarily feel completely at home here in general, we can’t feel at home supporting Canadian football. We’re labelled as outsiders, so why should we pretend we aren’t? Ironically, football itself is an outsider sport in Canada (at least according to mainstream culture, even though it’s certainly not true based on numbers). I remember an article on the star and the comments posted along with it during the S. African world cup that blamed the world cup and decreased productivity on basically ‘lazy immigrants’. Support for soccer for some in migrant communities can be linked to resistance against these notion and this call for purity of Canadian support seems more to be a part of the broader discourses of racism rather than resistance – what reason do these communities have to support Canadian football if that’s the case? And speaking as a Canadian football supporter, who attends games/follows youth development, being told that my football traditions not only don’t count but should be actively removed from what it means to be a Canadian supporter really dampens my support for the Canadian national team. What is advocated only makes Canadian football less relevant to racialized communities, communities that make up the majority of many Canadian population centres. Football support in Canada involves a complex conversation about race, migration, and identity, if Canadian supporter culture is about erasing these discussions, you can count me out … the thing I am glad about is that this position seems to be held by a small minority. The gestures made by Canadian supporters to connect with the Ghanian supporters will forever be a highlight in my journey as a supporter of Canadian football, and I hope Canadian football supporter culture can continue to be organic and inclusive.

[gunnerken]

I would suggest that there are presently not many countries in the world where we could have stood literally side by side with an entirely different football culture and enjoyed the dynamic atmosphere , while watching young footballers battle it out on a beautiful summer's evening on a perfect pitch. If you need to get indignant at people laughing, children smiling, and a crowd uniting to enjoy the beautiful game, you're not enjoying Canada for what it represents so well.

Enjoyed the game. It was fun.

[Fort York Redcoat]

http://www.maple-leaf-forever.com/2014/08/09/we-didnt-all-cheer-for-canada/

I just came across this blog post that really made me boil, basically decrying attempts by Canadian supporters to connect with Ghanian supporters during the game. Apparently, they left the game after the end of the first half because of it...


think what is missing is discussion of the context of supporters of ‘old countries’ – I can’t speak for people that support their old European country whom their only connection with is through a great grandfather, but for those newly immigrated from the global south and their recent offsprings, we live in a context where – despite Canada’s self-proclaimed idea as accepting/tolerant – racism is alive and well and racialized people continue to be seen as outsiders. My roommate and I are both first generation immigrants from Hong Kong and I recently had a conversation with him about how we’d have mixed feelings about supporting Canada over HK and it was tied to this idea that Canadian football support can be exclusionary, a reflection of broader inequities, and just as we don’t necessarily feel completely at home here in general, we can’t feel at home supporting Canadian football. We’re labelled as outsiders, so why should we pretend we aren’t? Ironically, football itself is an outsider sport in Canada (at least according to mainstream culture, even though it’s certainly not true based on numbers). I remember an article on the star and the comments posted along with it during the S. African world cup that blamed the world cup and decreased productivity on basically ‘lazy immigrants’. Support for soccer for some in migrant communities can be linked to resistance against these notion and this call for purity of Canadian support seems more to be a part of the broader discourses of racism rather than resistance – what reason do these communities have to support Canadian football if that’s the case? And speaking as a Canadian football supporter, who attends games/follows youth development, being told that my football traditions not only don’t count but should be actively removed from what it means to be a Canadian supporter really dampens my support for the Canadian national team. What is advocated only makes Canadian football less relevant to racialized communities, communities that make up the majority of many Canadian population centres. Football support in Canada involves a complex conversation about race, migration, and identity, if Canadian supporter culture is about erasing these discussions, you can count me out … the thing I am glad about is that this position seems to be held by a small minority. The gestures made by Canadian supporters to connect with the Ghanian supporters will forever be a highlight in my journey as a supporter of Canadian football, and I hope Canadian football supporter culture can continue to be organic and inclusive.


Flamehawk I'm on my way out the door to Joe's and will return to address the content but appreciate the irony of the subject matter and the picture linked with the blog.


Ghana flag on top, Canada flag on bottom, both upside down. It's just an upside- down picture but the effect is more insulting than the intent much like the article will be more insulting than important.

I believe you were at the game? Did you not feel as if we all belonged there and showed how we could unite?

If not I am sorry. It's always my intent and goal.

[flamehawk]

Flamehawk I'm on my way out the door to Joe's and will return to address the content but appreciate the irony of the subject matter and the picture linked with the blog.


Ghana flag on top, Canada flag on bottom, both upside down. It's just an upside- down picture but the effect is more insulting than the intent much like the article will be more insulting than important.

I believe you were at the game? Did you not feel as if we all belonged there and showed how we could unite?

If not I am sorry. It's always my intent and goal.

Oh no, not at all. I've had issues with Canada games before (I remember hearing racist chants/H1N1 etc.) but thought this game was amazing. I loved how folks were trying to engage with Ghana fans - I am just upset at the attitude to one or two individuals who saw this in a negative light. And that this negativity I feel is preventing the game from growing amongst certain groups.

[Still Kicking]

I am with flamehawk and I am shocked with the attitude and tone of that blog post.

How I saw it. First of all if you jump to the conclusion that it was a huge contingent of Ghanaian-Canadians cheering for Ghana in the first game (and doing a magnificent job of it) not merely Ghanaians, you go a long way to being on the right track.

Second of all, if you did not notice that the Ghanaian Canadians underlined, not who they were cheering for in the second game, but who they ARE, by singing O Canada prior to the Canada Finland game, you were either not paying attention or have issues that get in the way of understanding.

It was a wonderful night and it made me proud to love the game and love the people who love along with me. I have had some soccer sympathy for Ghana ever since that Suarez handball robbed them in South Africa 2010 on the men's side of things.

[jazzy]

If anyone is happily supporting our team, they are a fellow supporter.....God forgive if group happiness breaks out....the blog poster has huge issues and should get another hobby , preferably one that includes other human beings .....esp ones from different cultures.......He left the stadium ? Thank god....

[Red CB Toronto]

All I can say is last night was about being United and enjoying a great evening together. One of the best at BMO, what an amazing comeback too of the you go Girls !!!

[OgtheDim]

Guy not from Toronto whines about the subtleties of how Toronto does multiculturalism and sport.:violin:

He got called a xenophobe and took off and needed to justify things in his own head with a blog post. What he should have done is stayed around and then asked a few questions in order to understand, even if he disagreed. Even if you write a blog comment like that - don't hit send. Cause now he's just coming across as a guy with ownership issues.


You want a whitebread hardline us vs them approach to soccer support? It ain't gonna happen in Toronto.

Also, buddy obviously hasn't seen a World Cup cause home and away supporters going to other games pick sides all the time, for various reasons - and nobody complains about the support.


I also have no truck for the "You are here, act Canadian." attitude that he buries in the midst of all that.



Canada is better then that.


Hope the guy learns. But, from his blog, I don't think he's into listening much.

[mcolvy]

Is the usual supporter section on that SouthEast corner within BMO filled with the normal rowdy folks for these games? Not that I personally have anything against it, but I have some young cousins with tickets on the very right of section 113. I would advise them to switch it up if say this was a Toronto FC game, so will it be the same for these world cup fixtures?

Thanks boys.

[flamehawk]

Is the usual supporter section on that SouthEast corner within BMO filled with the normal rowdy folks for these games? Not that I personally have anything against it, but I have some young cousins with tickets on the very right of section 113. I would advise them to switch it up if say this was a Toronto FC game, so will it be the same for these world cup fixtures?

Thanks boys.

Not to the extent of a tfc game but either way with the other World Cup games held there not involving canada I doubt there's anything to worry about. I hope the sizable Korean foptball support in the city represent Asia well but I don't think the support looks the same as canada's. much more family-based. As for quarter final, the n Koreans will only have their family members and I'd be pleasantly surprised if any fellow chinese will bother showin up haha (though I will)

[Fort York Redcoat]

Is the usual supporter section on that SouthEast corner within BMO filled with the normal rowdy folks for these games? Not that I personally have anything against it, but I have some young cousins with tickets on the very right of section 113. I would advise them to switch it up if say this was a Toronto FC game, so will it be the same for these world cup fixtures?

Thanks boys.

Honestly, unless Canada is there the V's that go will be there for the sport alone. Wed and possibly Sat will be tame.


An issue just occurred to me though.


Canada could likely go through but will be playing Germany in Edmonton AT THE SAME TIME people have bought tickets for the likely North Korea vs US game here in Toronto.

While I intended to support the game Toronto is hosting in the tourney, there's no way I'll be attending INSTEAD of watching Canada.

So unless Canada beat North Korea by 4 goals I'll beat Joe's watching this one and have a free ticket for whomsoever wants to the game.

[Red CB Toronto]

Honestly, unless Canada is there the V's that go will be there for the sport alone. Wed and possibly Sat will be tame.


An issue just occurred to me though.


Canada could likely go through but will be playing Germany in Edmonton AT THE SAME TIME people have bought tickets for the likely North Korea vs US game here in Toronto.

While I intended to support the game Toronto is hosting in the tourney, there's no way I'll be attending INSTEAD of watching Canada.

So unless Canada beat North Korea by 4 goals I'll beat Joe's watching this one and have a free ticket for whomsoever wants to the game.

Whats the chill plan for Wednesday? I am planning on only attending one of the two games, not sure what one yet. So Joe's will either be a before or after thing depending on my choice.

[mr k]

I have to echo a lot of people's comments. Like Villa TFC, I have attended many Canada matches since the 80s in Toronto & Montreal and the Ghanians have set the standard for supporting Canada and their land of birth or heritage compared to the boorish behaviour of others not supporting Canada from Italy to Jamaica to Honduras to Poland to Iran.

I echo flamehawk that the gesture made by the Voyageurs to applaud the Ghanians on Tuesday and then connect on Friday is the inclusion what I want in my supporters group. As gunnerken said, I don't think we would have seen this outside of Canada. Given football is an outsider sport in Canada, it is delicious that we have people espousing exclusionary tactics.

I had to wipe away tears from eyes more than once during the match and not because Canada was losing 2-0. It was a great night on and off the field.

[flamehawk]

I have to echo a lot of people's comments. Like Villa TFC, I have attended many Canada matches since the 80s in Toronto & Montreal and the Ghanians have set the standard for supporting Canada and their land of birth or heritage compared to the boorish behaviour of others not supporting Canada from Italy to Jamaica to Honduras to Poland to Iran.

I echo flamehawk that the gesture made by the Voyageurs to applaud the Ghanians on Tuesday and then connect on Friday is the inclusion what I want in my supporters group. As gunnerken said, I don't think we would have seen this outside of Canada. Given football is an outsider sport in Canada, it is delicious that we have people espousing exclusionary tactics.

I had to wipe away tears from eyes more than once during the match and not because Canada was losing 2-0. It was a great night on and off the field.

I realize that this is not what those folks are getting at, but they really do give off the impression that they want to be 'Green Street Hooligans', hardcore thugs - "You're either with us, or against us!". How else could you see having a friendly back and forth between football supporters and encouraging more people to support the Canadian national team as a bad thing? I really don't understand comments like this one on the blog comments: "when his efforts to entice more vocal Canadian support were to effectively insult those who had made the trip for not being noisy enough" - referring to how one of the capos ran over to the Ghanian section to lead Ghanian-Canadian fans in chants. Are we that insecure about ourselves as Canadian football supporters?

[Brooker]

Oh god. Lord Bob writes a blog complaining and insulting Toronto supporters. Shock, horror.

You should have seen his rants when the Whitecaps got "screwed" in the 2011 Voyageurs Cup.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Are we that insecure about ourselves as Canadian football supporters?

Just quoting it for effect.

My eyes were open this past week in reference in where we've been, where we are and where we could be.

I was one of two capos but it was Eli, a newer capo who ran by me and saw the potential. The other section had shown some syncing with us and he went over to let them know what was up next so they could formally join in.

And as referred to above the man in question has a reputation of being hardline opinionated about what makes a supporter but that doesn't mean as much to me as growing the game because at its heart it should be about inclusion and working together united.

mr k. Your post just made me so happy. Thank you.

[prizby]

http://www.maple-leaf-forever.com/2014/08/09/we-didnt-all-cheer-for-canada/



an agenda filled piece made up of a bunch of lies and fabrications to fit under the author's agenda...you fly all the way from Vancouver to walk out on the ladies who are on the pitch...poor form

[flamehawk]

I feel so enheartened by the responses on here. I have to say, if that guy's views dominated the supporter's section, it would've been the last time I attended a Canadian national team game .. or well, at least stand in the supporters' section.

[Brooker]

an agenda filled piece made up of a bunch of lies and fabrications to fit under the author's agenda...you fly all the way from Vancouver to walk out on the ladies who are on the pitch...poor form

I would almost put him in Bill Archer territory.... but not as animated.

[Red4ever]

I can see both sides of this story. First off, two things should be stated. One, it is a assumption on the bloggers part that the Ghana fans in the section were Canadian residents/ Canadian citizens / born in Canada. Two. it's an assumption that all these fans on friday at BMO, were the same ones Tuesday cheering against Canada. I tend to believe there is a bit of a grey area there, where some are Canadians and some never will be. However, if anyone had called me a xenophobe for suggesting Canadians cheer for Canada. I would have left too. Ben is can be a horses ass, but he's not a xenophobe.

Look at it this way. When I run into someone who is as second generation Canadian as I am, and they cheer for the dutch the whole world cup and not for Canada when they come to town, it bothers me. They have no problem draping themselves in a flag, booking work off and get drunk and screaming at a TV but they won't do it for Canada. Then there are others who live, more importantly, were born here who cheer against Canada like our Qualifier vs Jamaica in 2008. Like it or not, we are viewed as an afterthought for many and I tend not to enjoy the conversations that come from that. I say dutch and use that example because I wasn't there friday, but I'm willing to bet this was more about citizenship and support rather than race, which has been suggested. That's a very slippery slope. I'm willing to bet that his anger comes not from a place of looking for differences, but that he feels that many of those Ghana fans were just as Canadian as he is, no more no less. Why is he the only one supporting Canada as a first choice?

Granted, he could have made the argument a hell of a lot better and handled the situation in a different way im sure, but I get that to be the idea. For me, I love everything about Canada and take pride in all of the people who have come here and comprise what is far and away the most multi cultural country in the world, so it bothers me when some do not embrace it.

It would be so easy for soccer to be a place where we come together. For many it is, for many, the idea of that is joke and that drives me insane.


Are we that insecure about ourselves as Canadian football supporters?

In short, yes. Many of us who care about the game greatly have walked into situations where we our outnumbered by our own citizens (born and raised) cheering for other countries. And that gets old fast. When people born and raised in this country and bail to play for a country to which they have no lineage, people get upset. When citizens treat our country as a stop gap until something better comes along, people get upset.
So we have been burned by people who take advantage of a country that will always strive give and not expect a lot in return. Some people don't care. They are small minority but they're out there. EG http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/07/28/blatantly-lying-loses-family-its-citizenship-but-earns-them-a-63k-bill-from-canadian-government/


I realize that this is not what those folks are getting at, but they really do give off the impression that they want to be 'Green Street Hooligans', hardcore thugs - "You're either with us, or against us!".

Maybe they give that impression to you, but I think it's misplaced. You can take it with a grain of salt, but I'm sure if you were to ask him, you are exactly the type of person that the original blog poster thanks his lucky stars spends time, money and enthusiasm at national team games. New Canadians and Old Canadians are one and the same in my opinion. Certainly you're the type of person that I want there and the type of person we need if we are ever to gain traction as supporters.

I saw a girl (9) at the Ecuador match years ago with a Canada hat and an Ecuador shirt. I thought it was cute and what Canada is supposed to be about: Bringing your history to a land of opportunity in order to live a better life. I think it takes a lot of balls to cheer against your country of birth, one in which you still reside, to cheer for a country you may or may not have even visited.

[flamehawk]

Look at it this way. When I run into someone who is as second generation Canadian as I am, and they cheer for the dutch the whole world cup and not for Canada when they come to town, it bothers me. They have no problem draping themselves in a flag, booking work off and get drunk and screaming at a TV but they won't do it for Canada. Then there are others who live, more importantly, were born here who cheer against Canada like our Qualifier vs Jamaica in 2008. Like it or not, we are viewed as an afterthought for many and I tend not to enjoy the conversations that come from that. I say dutch and use that example because I wasn't there friday, but I'm willing to bet this was more about citizenship and support rather than race, which has been suggested. That's a very slippery slope. I'm willing to bet that his anger comes not from a place of looking for differences, but that he feels that many of those Ghana fans were just as Canadian as he is, no more no less. Why is he the only one supporting Canada as a first choice?


Now, I can't speak for fans of European nations, well nor can I speak for anyone other than myself really, but from my perspective, it's a little different than Latino/African/Asian fans dealing with a context a racism. I have certainly had my share of berating local fans for being glory hunters (remember getting into a heated argument with someone supporting New Jersey against Toronto for the NBA playoffs during my first year of university … and I mean I grew up with a whole school of Arsenal and Man Utd fans in high school as a Wolves fan [though this makes even less sense living in Hong Kong]). As I was suggesting in my original post, for Latino/African/Asian fans (and not saying this is a universal truth, simply my own experiences) there is a perceived/actual alienation from the broader Canadian society in general, which dissuades us from supporting Canadian national team. Now, I've been guilty time and time again for going off topic - so let me preface again that I am not intending to argue on the merits of whether or not racism/alienation is alive and well in Canadian society (I believe so .. if you don't, we can discuss this another time) .. I am only attempting to provide some insight into the issue.


Anyways, this alienation not only dissuades people from supporting the Canadian nats, it encourages people 'sometimes' to cheer against Canada as a big 'f u' to the circumstance of being alienated. I mean, sports and football especially, may be the few arenas where our identities can be associated with strength versus all the negative stereotypes we experience day-to-day. Sports and football, at least on paper, serve as a much more even playing field where our identities may attain value through besting Canada and other Western nations. In fact, I have had multiple friends of various non-white ethnic backgrounds question my support for the Canadian national team, and I know I myself have mixed feelings about this because of the racial/political context ... maybe it is because I see supporting football in general as a challenge to ingrained racist ideas seeing as football itself can be seen by the mainstream culture as 'foreign' and thus, lesser.

Maybe I am reading too much into it (as I often do), but I saw the gesture of raising the Ghanian flag as to say that we won't judge those for supporting the Ghanian team (because of the complexities of this issue) and we'd be happy for them to join us in our support of the Canadian national team.







For me, I love everything about Canada and take pride in all of the people who have come here and comprise what is far and away the most multi cultural country in the world, so it bothers me when some do not embrace it.


The critique would be that perhaps the image of Canada's multiculturalism only exists to the point of having many people from different corners of the world live within its borders, beyond that we continue to have income disparities and other forms of racism that prevents many from embracing the idea of being Canadian. It was the experience for me. I was born here in Canada but grew up in HK attending a Canadian school. I was so fond of the 'idea' of Canada that my parents told me I refused to call myself Chinese in grade 2 (..itself an example of internalized racism). But finally living here in Canada eight years ago, I realized that it was increasingly difficult to call Canada home as being/identifying as 'Canadian' was not as accessible as I had thought. Now, I am sure many don't share this experience, but I know many that have.




In short, yes. Many of us who care about the game greatly have walked into situations where we our outnumbered by our own citizens (born and raised) cheering for other countries. And that gets old fast. When people born and raised in this country and bail to play for a country to which they have no lineage, people get upset. When citizens treat our country as a stop gap until something better comes along, people get upset.
So we have been burned by people who take advantage of a country that will always strive give and not expect a lot in return. Some people don't care. They are small minority but they're out there. EG http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/07/28/blatantly-lying-loses-family-its-citizenship-but-earns-them-a-63k-bill-from-canadian-government/





I'll go no further than to say that I disagree and that these cases are overstated, that we pay much more attention to these cases than how Canada often creates the context for people leaving their homes and having to migrate to Canada, that maybe certain individuals rightfully should not need to feel 'grateful' about being able to move to Canada. There's no need to debate this point, but simply to again state that this is a perspective held by many, including me, and because of it, they might feel reluctant to embrace the Canadian national football team.





Maybe they give that impression to you, but I think it's misplaced. .


Fair enough, I should've thought more about suggesting that they sounded like hooligan wannabes, didn't serve any purpose for me to post that.

----

I guess the other point I have been implying though is that while the blogger and others that support this view claim to and have not overtly brought in issues of race and have actively claimed that it's not about race, I am saying it may be about race for some people that choose to support their 'home countries' over Canada and that by failing to recognize the complexities of this decision (by passing negative judgment over this choice by some) they are inadvertently (though I am sure unintentionally) acting in a manner that is consistent with xenophobia, and more specifically, racism. Note: not calling anyone racist, simply that this behaviour can be perceived as reinforcing racism - by papering over it - and lead racialized people to even less likely embrace Canadian football.

[Redpunkfiddle]

An issue just occurred to me though.


Canada could likely go through but will be playing Germany in Edmonton AT THE SAME TIME people have bought tickets for the likely North Korea vs US game here in Toronto.

While I intended to support the game Toronto is hosting in the tourney, there's no way I'll be attending INSTEAD of watching Canada.

So unless Canada beat North Korea by 4 goals I'll beat Joe's watching this one and have a free ticket for whomsoever wants to the game.

Just on this item- the Edmonton quarterfinal is at 8pm Eastern, and the Toronto quarterfinal is 5pm Eastern. You were looking at regional times probably.

Plus- we only need to beat North Korea by 2 goals in order to make the group winner tiebreaker I think- as we are playing against North Korea for it- some might say for goal differential goals count double :)

[ChrisFizik]

uhhh.. I don't want to wade into this so I'm gonna post pics from Friday night over in the other Canada forum thread..... :-P

[Red4ever]

Your View of Canada is unfortunate man, and the word race was injected far too much for my liking .I Will leave this alone.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Just on this item- the Edmonton quarterfinal is at 8pm Eastern, and the Toronto quarterfinal is 5pm Eastern. You were looking at regional times probably.

Plus- we only need to beat North Korea by 2 goals in order to make the group winner tiebreaker I think- as we are playing against North Korea for it- some might say for goal differential goals count double :)

Thanks for this.

BTW The viewing tomorrow of Canada vs Dear Leader will be at Football Factory on Bathurst just S of Queen.

And I will have Canada vs Jamaica tix for 112.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Now, I can't speak for fans of European nations, well nor can I speak for anyone other than myself really, but from my perspective, it's a little different than Latino/African/Asian fans dealing with a context a racism. I have certainly had my share of berating local fans for being glory hunters (remember getting into a heated argument with someone supporting New Jersey against Toronto for the NBA playoffs during my first year of university … and I mean I grew up with a whole school of Arsenal and Man Utd fans in high school as a Wolves fan [though this makes even less sense living in Hong Kong]). As I was suggesting in my original post, for Latino/African/Asian fans (and not saying this is a universal truth, simply my own experiences) there is a perceived/actual alienation from the broader Canadian society in general, which dissuades us from supporting Canadian national team. Now, I've been guilty time and time again for going off topic - so let me preface again that I am not intending to argue on the merits of whether or not racism/alienation is alive and well in Canadian society (I believe so .. if you don't, we can discuss this another time) .. I am only attempting to provide some insight into the issue.


Anyways, this alienation not only dissuades people from supporting the Canadian nats, it encourages people 'sometimes' to cheer against Canada as a big 'f u' to the circumstance of being alienated. I mean, sports and football especially, may be the few arenas where our identities can be associated with strength versus all the negative stereotypes we experience day-to-day. Sports and football, at least on paper, serve as a much more even playing field where our identities may attain value through besting Canada and other Western nations. In fact, I have had multiple friends of various non-white ethnic backgrounds question my support for the Canadian national team, and I know I myself have mixed feelings about this because of the racial/political context ... maybe it is because I see supporting football in general as a challenge to ingrained racist ideas seeing as football itself can be seen by the mainstream culture as 'foreign' and thus, lesser.

Maybe I am reading too much into it (as I often do), but I saw the gesture of raising the Ghanian flag as to say that we won't judge those for supporting the Ghanian team (because of the complexities of this issue) and we'd be happy for them to join us in our support of the Canadian national team.









The critique would be that perhaps the image of Canada's multiculturalism only exists to the point of having many people from different corners of the world live within its borders, beyond that we continue to have income disparities and other forms of racism that prevents many from embracing the idea of being Canadian. It was the experience for me. I was born here in Canada but grew up in HK attending a Canadian school. I was so fond of the 'idea' of Canada that my parents told me I refused to call myself Chinese in grade 2 (..itself an example of internalized racism). But finally living here in Canada eight years ago, I realized that it was increasingly difficult to call Canada home as being/identifying as 'Canadian' was not as accessible as I had thought. Now, I am sure many don't share this experience, but I know many that have.





I'll go no further than to say that I disagree and that these cases are overstated, that we pay much more attention to these cases than how Canada often creates the context for people leaving their homes and having to migrate to Canada, that maybe certain individuals rightfully should not need to feel 'grateful' about being able to move to Canada. There's no need to debate this point, but simply to again state that this is a perspective held by many, including me, and because of it, they might feel reluctant to embrace the Canadian national football team.






Fair enough, I should've thought more about suggesting that they sounded like hooligan wannabes, didn't serve any purpose for me to post that.

----

I guess the other point I have been implying though is that while the blogger and others that support this view claim to and have not overtly brought in issues of race and have actively claimed that it's not about race, I am saying it may be about race for some people that choose to support their 'home countries' over Canada and that by failing to recognize the complexities of this decision (by passing negative judgment over this choice by some) they are inadvertently (though I am sure unintentionally) acting in a manner that is consistent with xenophobia, and more specifically, racism. Note: not calling anyone racist, simply that this behaviour can be perceived as reinforcing racism - by papering over it - and lead racialized people to even less likely embrace Canadian football.


Your View of Canada is unfortunate man, and the word race was injected far too much for my liking .I Will leave this alone.

Flamehawk, Califax is wise not walking into this ugly turn of discussion.

You admitted more than once you overthink things. Let me reenforce that and simplify- You show up, you cheer with us, you're one of us.

But a lot of what you say makes it sound like cheering against us should be welcomed. It's not but it's one's choice. Justify it all they want, they are an opponent but please, let's not confuse that with enemy. That is the tone of the now infamous blog. As Cali alludes, there is too much concentration on race and using this game as a symbol for a quagmire of a much bigger issue.

I'll be pming you. I want to hear more on your take but please let's keep this thread more about the good of the tournament of which we've seen an unprecedented amount thus far.

[flamehawk]

Flamehawk, Califax is wise not walking into this ugly turn of discussion.

You admitted more than once you overthink things. Let me reenforce that and simplify- You show up, you cheer with us, you're one of us.

But a lot of what you say makes it sound like cheering against us should be welcomed. It's not but it's one's choice. Justify it all they want, they are an opponent but please, let's not confuse that with enemy. That is the tone of the now infamous blog. As Cali alludes, there is too much concentration on race and using this game as a symbol for a quagmire of a much bigger issue.

I'll be pming you. I want to hear more on your take but please let's keep this thread more about the good of the tournament of which we've seen an unprecedented amount thus far.

I am not trying to make a value statement this decision made by some. Indeed My decision to support the Canadian national team suggest that I may not necessarily subscribe to it. I want more people to subscribe to Canadian soccer. All I'm saying is that sports loyalties are complicated and that avoiding taking the tone of this blogger and gestures that engage w fans cheering for other counyries will go a long way in encouraging more people to support canadian soccer. I am not trying to start a debate on racism and sorry if I have brought the thread in that direction.


On the different note are people planning to organize a trip for the finals in Montreal?

[Fort York Redcoat]

I am not trying to make a value statement this decision made by some. Indeed My decision to support the Canadian national team suggest that I may not necessarily subscribe to it. I want more people to subscribe to Canadian soccer. All I'm saying is that sports loyalties are complicated and that avoiding taking the tone of this blogger and gestures that engage w fans cheering for other counyries will go a long way in encouraging more people to support canadian soccer. I am not trying to start a debate on racism and sorry if I have brought the thread in that direction.


On the different note are people planning to organize a trip for the finals in Montreal?


I reckon that will be a decider on Tuesday or Saturday. We'll be planning out the rest of the week tomorrow with pints at the FF I'm sure.:drinking:

[flamehawk]

Just realizing if Canada goes through, their quarter finals game is at the same time as TFC. Tough decision.

[GlenM]

Just realizing if Canada goes through, their quarter finals game is at the same time as TFC. Tough decision.

Canada vs Germany game is at 6 PM EST, it's in EDM.

TFC vs KC s at 8:30 PM EST, it's n KC.

GlenM

[Red CB Toronto]

Canada vs Germany game is at 6 PM EST, it's in EDM.

TFC vs KC s at 8:30 PM EST, it's n KC.

GlenM

It is actually 8 pm eastern with the US-North Korea game at BMO at 5 pm. Plan on going to the game and heading up to Joe's after.

[barticusz]

Any other Edmontonians in here going to the game on Saturday?

[Fort York Redcoat]

Any Torontonians going to the games tonight and Saturday??:drinking:

[Red CB Toronto]

Any Torontonians going to the games tonight and Saturday??:drinking:

Will be at least at the early game tonight, and will be at Saturday night for sure before heading up to Joe's for TFC and Canada.

[Voodooman]

I will be there for Saturday's Game.

[lintberg]

Heading to BMO tonight, will likely catch 2nd half of Costa Rica vs NZ and then Korea vs Mexico.

[gunnerken]

Can't make it tonight, but I'm pretty sure I'll be there Saturday...K.

[GlenM]

It is actually 8 pm eastern with the US-North Korea game at BMO at 5 pm. Plan on going to the game and heading up to Joe's after.

TFC website says 8:30 PM EDT, and Yes you're Right, I forgot. It's 6 PM EDM, 8 PM our time for the Women's Under 20 World Cup QF vs Germany.

GlenM

[Fort York Redcoat]

5pm- DPRK v Murica at BMO National Stadium
8pm- Canada vs Germany at Joe's
8:30- TFC v KC

Happy Footie Saturday, Everyone!

[BuSaPuNk]

5pm- DPRK v Murica at BMO National Stadium
8pm- Canada vs Germany at Joe's
8:30- TFC v KC

Happy Footie Saturday, Everyone!

Shit I thought the US game was later this is turning into a sweet day of footie. Not to mention the Exhibition starting up. Who's up for a full day of fun :)

[Red CB Toronto]

Looking forward to Saturday night and all that is going on footy wise and beyond.

[jazzy]

5pm- DPRK v Murica at BMO National Stadium
8pm- Canada vs Germany at Joe's
8:30- TFC v KC

Happy Footie Saturday, Everyone!


premier D starts in the AM....:).............but who cares right

ps every team I saw Wed night I feel Canada played heads above better ....so how do we get Germany.......?...ya i know it's the set up but , same old.... and Montreal basically crappy field and little support and we comes out in droves and we don't have semi's or finals .........Montreal is simply brilliant in their procuring of all major events ....see Women's world cup too.....ya lucky us we have Pan Am games......where is the vision ?

[David_Oliveira]

premier D starts in the AM....:).............but who cares right

ps every team I saw Wed night I feel Canada played heads above better ....so how do we get Germany.......?...ya i know it's the set up but , same old.... and Montreal basically crappy field and little support and we comes out in droves and we don't have semi's or finals .........Montreal is simply brilliant in their procuring of all major events ....see Women's world cup too.....ya lucky us we have Pan Am games......where is the vision ?

Might be due to the big O having zero going on and BMO having a full time tennant. We have been on the road for a few games and maybe TFC FO didn't want too many away games

[OgtheDim]

The reason the WWC is not here is the City declined to get involved, when asked. The reason was the Pan Am games.

If you want to blame someone in particular, Joe Pantalone.

[Red4ever]

Or blame all the idiots that thought it would be a good idea to host the Pan AM games.

[Fort York Redcoat]

The reason the WWC is not here is the City declined to get involved, when asked. The reason was the Pan Am games.

If you want to blame someone in particular, Joe Pantalone.


And for those that don't realize or forgot:


WWC June 6-July 5

Pan Am football July 11-24

[OfficeGuy]

do the FIFA U20 tickets get you into the CNE as well?


GOT MY ANSWER - http://toronto2014.fwwc2015.ca/2014/08/13/ticket-quarters-toronto-gets-free-admission-cne/ (http://toronto2014.fwwc2015.ca/2014/08/13/ticket-quarters-toronto-gets-free-admission-cne/)