Family, friends of Canada's World Cup team relishing the opportunity to watch them at home

When Canada took to the pitch against Bosnia-Herzegovina last Friday, there was raucous applause from fans in the stadium. Those not with tickets convened in parks, community centres, pubs, campuses and anywhere they could for watch parties from coast to coast to cheer on The Reds at the first men’s World Cup played in this country. 

The streets of Toronto saw a gathering of Les Voyageurs, the local supporters’s group, we had never witnessed. I sat in the media tribune and must say my heart was full of happiness during the anthem. It was hard not to feel overwhelmed at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field has been renamed for the tournament) where the sea of red kits punctuated the revamped stadium amid a healthy smattering of blue and yellow for Bosnia-Herzegovina. Canada had shown up as the soccer nation it truly is. 

Canada’s March to the Match continues to work its way through the Toronto streets toward the stadiums.<br><br>Beautiful scenes as fans chant and cheer and high five fans who are lining the streets.<br><br>It’s going to be electric inside the stadium today. <a href="https://t.co/PUg96LzLYn">pic.twitter.com/PUg96LzLYn</a>

 The players emerged an hour before in their suits to inspect the grass and get a sense of the field of play, then came out for warmup as some great tunes played. As someone who has been in stadia all over the world covering soccer, Toronto Stadium felt unreal. 

Considering how proud I was, it made me think about the family and friends of the players who were in attendance. What might they be feeling?

For Ron Davidson, the feeling of pride began well before match day. Davidson is forward Tani Oluwaseyi’s former coach. For Davidson to be there to watch the 26-year old start the match was incredible.