'You are Canadian heroes' - the forgotten hosts making World Cup history

'You are Canadian heroes' - the forgotten hosts making World Cup history

Minutes after the final whistle was blown on Canada's historic World Cup victory against South Africa on Sunday, coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players and staff in a huge huddle and delivered some words of inspiration to them.

"Canadian heroes," he called his team after they won a knockout game at the tournament for the first time to reach the last 16.

"The future of the sport in this country is huge because of you."

Marsch is known for grandiose comments - exaggerated and emotional statements delivered to provide maximum impact.

But his words here ring true - the sport in the country is changing.

"It is starting to become known as football now, not soccer," one fan told BBC Sport before the match.

"Canada is becoming a football nation."

That was the objective Marsch set out to achieve when he became Canada boss two years ago, a goal that at the time seemed highly unlikely for a country whose first love is widely regarded as ice hockey.

Mexico hosted this World Cup's opener while the USA stages the final. Attention has been far greater on the two in the build-up, leaving Canada as something like the forgotten co-host.

But Canada quietly went about its business, building interest and passion for the tournament and their national team from within.

The country's captain, Alphonso Davies, is used to large, football-mad crowds playing for Bayern Munich and in the Champions League.

However, he has noticed the change in Canada since the World Cup got under way, and said he cried at seeing so many fans clad in red and white in Toronto for their opening game against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"It was surreal because I've never seen so many Canadians at a football match before," he said before the win against South Africa.

"It brought tears to my eyes."

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It should not be played down just how impressive Canada's performance at this World Cup has been.

Before this tournament their record was played six and lost six but they immediately picked up a historic point with a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

That was followed up by a first-ever World Cup win as they thrashed Qatar 6-0 to seal their place in the knockouts.

A defeat by Switzerland denied them the opportunity to play their last-32 game in Canada but their fans travelled in huge numbers to cheer them on in Los Angeles.

This was the first time in history a World Cup host had played a match outside their own country, but nevertheless it felt like they were the home team against South Africa - given their large and vocal support.

Despite their opponents appearing determined to take the game to penalties from early on, the Canadians kept their cool before Stephen Eustaquio delivered the moment of quality to win it in stoppage time.

"People will say it is performative to meet in the middle of the pitch," Marsch said of the big group huddle at full-time. "All I care about is our team and what we do together.

"At full-time it is hard to be with your team as everyone is pulled in a million different directions with the media, and you don't really have time to take that moment unless you take it right there.

"I wanted to be able to voice to them how important a moment this will prove to be for the sport in the country.

"It is a shame we couldn't do it in Vancouver, in front of our fans, but nevertheless I think you saw the character of the team, the quality of the team, the mentality of the team and the togetherness of the team."

'You are Canadian heroes!' - Marsch to his players

Next up for Canada will be a tricky test in the shape of either the Netherlands or Morocco.

But whatever happens now, and regardless of how long Marsch is in charge of the national team, football in the country has arguably changed forever.

"I remember going to Canada games in the 1990s with my father and the Canadian fans were in the minority in their home matches," said fan Harry before Sunday's game.

"It is incredible to see how many fans have come down into the USA to watch us, hopefully that energy can help improve us back home."

Another supporter, Sean, added: "Places like Toronto have always had that much more following for soccer but hopefully it expands now to some of the cities and provinces outside of the major hubs, where typically Canada can be more of a big hockey country."

It won't be easy for Canada to continue their history-making run, with Morocco ranked sixth in the world and the Netherlands seventh.

But belief can carry teams a long way and, given how Canada have surpassed expectations so far, it would be foolish to rule them out of causing an upset.

"In general my goal in this tournament, apart from inspiring our nation, was to make a run [so] that we could get to see one of the giants of the world," Marsch added.

"Given Morocco's last six years they are a modern giant and given the success of the Dutch team for what feels like centuries that is a traditional giant.

"I feel like it is a free hit and we will go after it and do whatever we can to get a win."

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