Canada loses first World Cup game as Lethbridge looks on

The sound of dismay was heard in downtown Lethbridge at Festival Square on Wednesday afternoon. Canada kicked off their first game of the World Cup versus a heavily favoured Belgium. Sadly, Canada lost 1-nil to the number two ranked Belgium team. Officials from the Lethbridge Soccer Association say it was a huge day for soccer or football fans in the windy city regardless of the loss.

“It means a lot. Like, it just shows you the passion of the soccer fans, right? It doesn’t matter if their team’s in or not, or if they’re cheering for Canada or like, my team’s Italy, and they’re not in, but Canada is now my team I’m cheering for. Right? Soccer players, soccer teams, like, we’re all passionate and we’re we’re ready to go. It’s been 36 years in building up and we’re all excited that Canada is in. And hopefully it builds the game in Canada, Alberta and Lethbridge. Right? Hopefully there’s a trickle-down effect and we’re just excited that we’re here,” says Frank Spadavecchia, the executive director of the Lethbridge Soccer Association.

Canada’s next game is November 27 versus Croatia. They will then take on Morocco on December 1.