I hope I'm not the only soccer lover here but with the upcoming Gold Cup and FIFA U-20 World Cup I thought there should be a thread on this.

Well last night there was International action with Canada taking on Venezuela in Maracaibo. Final score was a 2-2 draw. Great for Canada!


PS: There was also a Montreal Impact FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC last nitgh; 0-0 draw. Today there will be match in Toronto as TFC takes on Colorado.

I can never find anything on GOLTV that has any Canadian soccer. :(

Canadian Footballers Abroad

Asmir Begović - Portsmouth F.C. (england)
http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/begovic_action.jpg

Lars Hirschfeld - Rosenborg BK (norway)
http://i1.tinypic.com/v6ncif.jpg

Joshua Wagenaar - ADO Den Haag (Netherlands)
http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/wagenaar_action.jpg

André Hainault - FK SIAD Most (czech republic)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/content/images/2005/12/16/andre_hainault_460x300.jpg

Michael Klukowski - Club Brugge K.V. (belgium)
http://www.sport.be/nl/jupilerleague/0607/images/spelerfotos/16300.jpg

Paul Stalteri - Tottenham Hotspur (england)
http://www.carling.com/media/player_images/player-image-48786.jpg

Josh Simpson - FC Kaiserslautern (germany)
http://mediadb.kicker.de/2007/fussball/spieler/l/33493.jpg

Patrice Bernier - Tromso (norway)
http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/bernier_action.jpg

Julian de Guzman - Deportivo la coruna (spain)
http://www.deportivo-la-coruna.com/pics/regular/De-Guzman_005.jpg

Rhian Dodds - Kilmarnock F.C. (scotland)
http://www.killiefc.com/Season%202004-05/KilmarnockFC/PlayerProfiles/Rhian_Dodds%5B1%5D.jpg

Sandro Grande - Molde (norway)
http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/grande_action.jpg

Atiba Hutchinson - F.C. Copenhagen (denmark)
http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/gallery/mu20_charleston/hutchinson.jpg

Daniel Imhof - VfL Bochum (germany)
http://www.vfl-bochum.de/kickit/upload/team/06_07/200x266/daniel_imhof.jpg

Nikolas Ledgerwood - Wacker Burghausen (germany)
http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/ledgerwood_hs.jpg

Issey Nakajima-Farran - Vejle Boldklub (denmark)
http://www.aabsport.dk/405E2DBB-D4FB-45E8-92AE-864B049D52FC

Iain Hume - Leicester City F.C. (england)
http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/hume_action.jpg

David Edgar - Newcastle United (england)
http://www.edmonton.com/fifa2007/images_cont/david_edgar.jpg

Tomasz Radzinski - ex-Fulham (england)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39514000/jpg/_39514674_radzinski_gi300x300.jpg

Rob Friend - SC Heerenveen (on loan to Heracles Almelo) (Netherlands)
http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/friend_action3.jpg

Will Johnson - SC Heerenveen (Netherlands)
http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/johnson_clubaction.jpg

Olivier Occean - Lillestrøm S.K. (norway)
http://i1.tinypic.com/v6ncyt.jpg

Canada is so going to South Africa.

Those Venezualans sure like to dive...

June 6th is a double-header!! TFC take on RBNY and then Cannda takes on Costa Rica!

ya, tune in to sportsnet this wednesday at 7pm.

Sportsnet got it covered? Sweet.

Very good thread!:cheers:

There is a huge market in Canada for this sport. Just take a look at the attendance + spending at BMO Field for TFC. (Btw I work there as a food vendor haha)....somebody is going to make a lot of money, at the same time helping the development soccer in the country.

This is how it works, for Rogers Sportsnet EAST/PACIFIC!

7:00pm

TFC vs. RBNY

9:00pm

Canada vs. Costa Rica

Rogers Sportsnet Ontario will only have the TFC game.

Full time:

Canada: 2 Costa Rica: 1

(mwahahahaha)

Julián De Guzman double helps Canada edge Costa Rica
http://media.canada.com/idl/vapr/20060709/111904-42434.jpg
MIAMI (Reuters) - Canada came from behind to beat Costa Rica 2-1 on Wednesday in the opening game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup with two goals from midfielder Julian de Guzman.

The victory at a rainy Orange Bowl put Canada on top of Group A with three points ahead of the evening's second group match between Haiti and Guadeloupe.

Deportivo La Coruna's De Guzman broke the deadlock at 1-1 in the 73rd minute when he stole the ball and sent a 20-yard chip past Costa Rica keeper Jose Francisco Porras.

A scoreless game had come to life shortly after the break.

In the 57th minute, Costa Rica's Walter Centeno took a pass from teammate Leonardo Gonzalez and from outside of the box curved in a shot past goalkeeper Pat Onstad.

De Guzman struck back less than a minute later when he hit a 20-yard rocket past Porras to level.

The teams return to action in Miami on Saturday when Canada face Guadeloupe and Costa Rica play Haiti.

The CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will be played in six U.S. cities this month, will determine the champion of the region that includes North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The champion will earn an automatic berth at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Here you go!

Canada 0 - Costa Rica 1

WAlOYbAToTU

Canada 1 - Costa Rica 1

FF1_G5ROkYs

Canada 2 - Costa Rica 1!!

s4VRWeRLJvQ

Great win by Canada over Costa Rica. A number of people have said that was the best Canada has looked in quite a long time. The second goal by De Guzman was a fabulous move and strike.

Given the depth in the group, it's almost certain Canada will move on to the quarterfinals. Just need to beat Gaudaloupe today.

question to those who've been to a Toronto FC game, is there publicity announcements int the stadium every other minute??

Good grief. That's the reason why Canada has a difficult time winning over fans. What a piss poor display. It's almost like they didn't care to win.

Good to see that the poor Guadalope player (Vertot?) made a miraculous recovery after receiving a terrible "head injury". I thought he would require brain surgery right there and then. A great way to waste 5 or so minutes. The guy looked like he was wearing a turban after all those bandages were applied.

CONCACAF football at its best - mortal injuries followed by miraculous recoveries!

I just can't figure out the Canadian team. They look like world beaters one day and pathetic the next.

question to those who've been to a Toronto FC game, is there publicity announcements int the stadium every other minute??

no, there are hardly any at all... why do you ask?

Because I was at the Montreal Impact vs Vancouver Whitecaps game about a week ago and there was advertizing every other minute or so !!! I was really annoyed by it.

^^ How was the game?

very defensive game, but Impact had more chances to score.

I would have preferred staying at home to watch it in HD, much better than getting bothered by music/ads every other minute or so, and there was a group of ultras just behind us, ugh I wanted them to die.

Well, tonight's the big game that will probably decide if Canada moves on or not. I wonder which Canada will show up.

If you haven't seen this yet, have a look. It's Lionel Messi, aka Maradona mk. 2 with his impression of the Hand of God:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m1cQ78KrCk

Video replay anyone?

Edit:

The final score was (thank you Sportsnet Pacific :) ):

Canada - 2 Haiti - o

Some very sloppy play by Canada at times, but a win nonetheless. I sure hope they keep Onstad in as the starting keeper, he played much better than Sutton did in the last match. Two goals by De Rosario. On to the quarter finals against (probably) Guatemala on Saturday.

very defensive game, but Impact had more chances to score.

I would have preferred staying at home to watch it in HD, much better than getting bothered by music/ads every other minute or so, and there was a group of ultras just behind us, ugh I wanted them to die.

Do you not like ultras or do you just not like them when your close to them?

I don't dislike them, I dislike how they just don't stop. I think there is good and bad timing to cheer for your team, the Ultras just don't understand that concept.

Canada improves 38 spots to No. 56 in FIFA world soccer rankings

ZURICH, Switzerland (CP) - Canada has climbed 38 spots in the FIFA world soccer rankings after a pair of wins at the Gold Cup this month.

Victories over Costa Rica and Haiti at the tournament boosted the Canadian squad from No. 94 in May to No. 56 in the June rankings released Wednesday. Only Armenia, which moved up 48 spots, had a bigger improvement than Canada in the rankings.

The Canadian men, sandwiched between Honduras and South Africa with 539 points, have rebounded after reaching an all-time low 103rd in March. The Canadian high was No. 40 in December 1996.

Meanwhile, World Cup champion Italy kept its No. 1 place while France overtook Brazil to climb to the No. 2 spot.

Brazil was third, while Germany climbed one spot to fourth - its highest ranking in four years - and Argentina fell two spots to fifth.

France and Germany both benefited from recent wins in European Championship qualifying, FIFA said.

Italy has 1,653 points, France has 1,585, Brazil 1,484, Germany 1,467 and Argentina 1,373.

Portugal, Spain, England, the Netherlands and Czech Republic round up the top 10.

The United States climbed 13 spots to No. 16 thanks to a strong start in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. Serbia and Ghana both moved up nine spots, while Sweden and Ivory Coast gained five spots each.

Scotland, which had climbed to its best ranking ever last month, fell nine spots to No. 23.




© The Canadian Press, 2007

I know Lars Hirschfeld (Rosenborg), Patrice Bernier (Tromsø) and Olivier Occean (Lillestrøm) from the Norwegian Tippeligaen, all good players, especially Lars Hirschfeld. I didn't know they were Canadian though. How is soccer doing compared to all the other sports in Canada? Is it American football, basketball and baseball which are the biggest sports as in the USA?

I don't dislike them, I dislike how they just don't stop. I think there is good and bad timing to cheer for your team, the Ultras just don't understand that concept.

Don't ever go to a football match in Europe. It will make you crazy.

or Toronto...

I don't dislike them, I dislike how they just don't stop. I think there is good and bad timing to cheer for your team, the Ultras just don't understand that concept.

But that's the point. Cheering on your team non-stop! Being the 12th man!!

Quarter-final match of the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup between Canada and Guatemala will be on Sportsnet Pacific on Saturday, June 16th at 1:00pm ET.

But that's the point. Cheering on your team non-stop! Being the 12th man!!



of course, but when its a measly group of 50 cheering while the other 12000 look at them weird and being annoyed... I mean the mentality here in Canada is not like in Europe... yet.

Toronto FC games are one of the few times a Canadian gets to cheer enthusiastically from start to finish. Perhaps the other 12,000 are simply accustomed to those comatosed masses who dominate most Canadian stadia and arenas who cheer only 10% of the time, or seem more interested in cushioning their butts while munching on hot dogs and guzzling beer. I'm so tired of apathetic conservative fans. Alot of these people are too out of shape to do anything but push the gas pedal on the tank they drive.

We've finally got some vocal energetic support for a team and you want them to sit down? Go to a hockey or baseball game if you want a boring sedate crowd, or watch Toronto FC from your sofa at home if you want quiet. Don't be selfish and let people have some fun for a change.

I hope it improves when you guys get an MLS team (we all know you will).

Here's how it's done in Toronto!

http://www.cityladies.co.uk/spf/tfc00.jpg

http://www.cityladies.co.uk/spf/tfc05.jpg

Not the best video but meh...

c8pzp8BKcW0

of course, but when its a measly group of 50 cheering while the other 12000 look at them weird and being annoyed... I mean the mentality here in Canada is not like in Europe... yet.

That is definitely not the case here.

A week TFC Massive:

JQ3LAUvfOdU&NR=1

CONCACAF Gold Cup 1/4 final:

Canada: 3 Guatemala: 0

Bring on the US or Panama in the semis on Thursday!

BOOYAKASHA!!

Where can you get Toronto FC merchandise? Pretty bad when you can get Portuguese, Italian, English club merchandise, but not one for your home town. Perhaps in Portugal it's all Toronto FC garb everywhere with no local team garb available.

:ohno:

blame Adidas... they aren't able to keep up with demand.

Where can you get Toronto FC merchandise? Pretty bad when you can get Portuguese, Italian, English club merchandise, but not one for your home town. Perhaps in Portugal it's all Toronto FC garb everywhere with no local team garb available.

:ohno:

The way I see it, everyone has been caught off guard at the unexpected popularity of FC. There may be a temporary period of shortage but it will come online. This isn't a bad situation; it is indicative of how wildly successful the franchise has become. I bet they wish now they had made the stadium twice the size.

Wow check out the passion and enthusiasm of those fans! I was really impressed by the clips I saw. Being a huge supporter of Liverpool FC and following football worldwide I expected the Toronto FC games to be greeted with the same lack of emotion found within most North American stadiums. Definitely impressed! I wish Toronto FC all the best and am thinking about a trip up to Toronto to catch a game if I could get a ticket. Hopefully this leads to an MLS team in Montreal as well. The combined successes of Toronto FC, Canada in the Gold Cup and the under 20 World Cup should do wonders for this sport in Canada. I seriously think that Leafs fans could take some lessons from Toronto FC and become the "12th man" for them. The lack of emotion shown by most North American fans is the reason I have become largely disenchanted with all the sports I grew up playing (baseball, hockey, American football).

Watching the videos, you got a few hundreds cheering, the rest is still sleeping.


Whats the capacity of that stadium?

BTW, the only reason there's no MLS in montreal is because Toronto FC negotiated to have canadian exclusivity for their first 3 years... as if it would hurt them to have teams hundreds kms from them.:ohno:

the rest sleeping? Ha! That's a joke.


highlights from a game:
ikFxdIaLb8Y

crowd chanting:
RmFnMxppiVI

streakers:
pNY-JTsyzW0


nothing in NA compares to this atmosphere. Even the English players on the team are comparing it to the atmosphere at English leagues.

Oh, and Toronto beat the best team in the league today 4-0!

are the mods ever going to correct the name of this thread?

Watching the videos, you got a few hundreds cheering, the rest is still sleeping.


Whats the capacity of that stadium?

BTW, the only reason there's no MLS in montreal is because Toronto FC negotiated to have canadian exclusivity for their first 3 years... as if it would hurt them to have teams hundreds kms from them.:ohno:


Either you didn't watch the videos, or you chose to ignore what you saw.


of course, but when its a measly group of 50 cheering while the other 12000 look at them weird and being annoyed... I mean the mentality here in Canada is not like in Europe... yet.

I don't dislike them, I dislike how they just don't stop. I think there is good and bad timing to cheer for your team, the Ultras just don't understand that concept.

Maybe if you and the other majority of people who disapprove of 'the ultras' could relax a bit, it could be just as much fun at your games.

I watched the first 2 videos and in the 'avant-scène' you see people eatind hotdogs and just watching the people in the background cheering. People cheer, alot, but not in the magnitude i would've expected. I didn't check the other 3 videos.

The Ultras were just annoying, why cheer when there's nothing happening? Cheering just becomes a backround noise because it doesn't follow the ups and down of the game.

People cheer, alot, but not in the magnitude i would've expected. I didn't check the other 3 videos.

so check the other 3 videos...

anyway, we all know what you're about so it's pointless (and of course, it really doesn't matter what you think). Almost every single interview with any player who has played at BMO, any article mentioning Toronto FC, and any opposing fan who has seen a game at BMO has commented on the excellent and knowledgeable crowd.

cause You posted them after my comments *sigh* and I have other things to do at work than checking videos.

ha ha... like leaving comments on a message board?

Where can you get Toronto FC merchandise? Pretty bad when you can get Portuguese, Italian, English club merchandise, but not one for your home town. Perhaps in Portugal it's all Toronto FC garb everywhere with no local team garb available.

:ohno:

Well many stores are getting them in now, plus you can buy them at the stadium too.

As for anybody complaining about the Ultras, well just dont sit next to them, there are pretty much unwritten rules about who sits where, and there are sections for families and more conservative fans, and then there are those who like to be loud.

I work at BMO field (haha food/beverage vendor), and let me tell you, the atmosphere is great! Amazing to see such great suppot in Toronto, this team will go far. Whoever invested in it will also enjoy the $$$. Other sports franchises have a lot to learn from TFC. Especially to all of those people who say soccer is boring :lol: :cheers:

That last game was great, I say we make playoffs this year.

ha ha... like leaving comments on a message board?

yeah sure.

never heard of web filters that filters out video?:nuts:

Watching the videos, you got a few hundreds cheering, the rest is still sleeping.


Whats the capacity of that stadium?

BTW, the only reason there's no MLS in montreal is because Toronto FC negotiated to have canadian exclusivity for their first 3 years... as if it would hurt them to have teams hundreds kms from them.:ohno:

The only reason Montreal doesn't have an MLS team right know is because MLS, MLSE and the CSA all worked in co-operatrion to put a stadium in Toronto and put a team here. If it would have been Montreal, guaranteed they would have had the 3 year exclusivity rights too.

http://www.rds.ca/impact/chroniques/224449.html

Malgré les succès de l'Impact aux guichets, Saputo a indiqué qu'il n'a pas l'intention de se joindre à la MLS avant deux ou trois ans au minimum.

Merci, beaucoup! :)

Notice how the supporters are chanting for Dichio and then he scores! (second goal)

_o7YA1PwKKk

Chocho, i read that from Saputo. He also doesn't want to shoot himself in the foot. Why would he be asking for MLS right away when he can't get it? Its like saying to his fan, guys, USL isn't the real thing, MLS is. ( we all know MLS is superior league ).

Also, I read somewhere that there is a another spot open for expansion in the future but in the west division to reach balance between east and west. I don't think Montreal will be in the west division, but Vancouver.

So, this means that either Saputo will have to wait a while to get in a new round of expansions (not probable since the league isn't doing that good in some markets), or buy out an ailing franchise in the east (most probably).

Lets wait and see!

Vive le soccer :-)

anyway, we all know what you're about so it's pointless .


Sometimes misplaced civic pride can make people a tad jealous.. :nuts:

Chocho, i read that from Saputo. He also doesn't want to shoot himself in the foot. Why would he be asking for MLS right away when he can't get it? Its like saying to his fan, guys, USL isn't the real thing, MLS is. ( we all know MLS is superior league ).

Also, I read somewhere that there is a another spot open for expansion in the future but in the west division to reach balance between east and west. I don't think Montreal will be in the west division, but Vancouver.

So, this means that either Saputo will have to wait a while to get in a new round of expansions (not probable since the league isn't doing that good in some markets), or buy out an ailing franchise in the east (most probably).

Lets wait and see!

Vive le soccer :-)

By the time 3 years is up, San Jose would fill the west division spot.

yeah sure.

never heard of web filters that filters out video?:nuts:

but you watched the other ones where people are eating hot dogs...

I think you did watch those 3 videos I posted but you have nothing negative to say about them so you pretend to not have watched them!

^^ :lol:



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/elephantmouse.jpg

I don't get it. :(

It's too bad this thread got hijacked by the usual "this is Toronto, you must like us" versus "this is Montreal, Toronto is lame" garbage.

Start a new thread if you want to argue about Toronto FC. This was supposed to be about the nats, especially the U-20's.

but you watched the other ones where people are eating hot dogs...

I think you did watch those 3 videos I posted but you have nothing negative to say about them so you pretend to not have watched them!


My reply was Sunday and I don't work on Sundays:nuts: :nuts: you crazy!

It's too bad this thread got hijacked by the usual "this is Toronto, you must like us" versus "this is Montreal, Toronto is lame" garbage.

Start a new thread if you want to argue about Toronto FC. This was supposed to be about the nats, especially the U-20's.


Reality check.. these are the Canada Forums. "Brotherly Love" is not our motto in this great land.

If you read Chocho's first entry, you will discover the thread is also about FC, and other Canadian football teams. Should we not discuss Toronto FC just because you are from Winnipeg?

I hope I'm not the only soccer lover here but with the upcoming Gold Cup and FIFA U-20 World Cup I thought there should be a thread on this.

Well last night there was International action with Canada taking on Venezuela in Maracaibo. Final score was a 2-2 draw. Great for Canada!


PS: There was also a Montreal Impact FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC last nitgh; 0-0 draw. Today there will be match in Toronto as TFC takes on Colorado.

It's too bad this thread got hijacked by the usual "this is Toronto, you must like us" versus "this is Montreal, Toronto is lame" garbage.

Start a new thread if you want to argue about Toronto FC. This was supposed to be about the nats, especially the U-20's.

CANADIAN SOCCER THREAD!!! Does it say anywhere the official CSA thread? Nope.

Why are we talking about Toronto and Montreal?

They are 2 of the 3 cities that have professional soccer clubs in Canada. They also have many players that are on the Senior men's national team and the Junior men's national team. The popularity of them is the one of the key factors in determining the success of the beautiful game in this country.

If you want to start talking about the success of Canada at the Gold Cup or the upcoming World Cup, write a post that brings up the subject.

Oh yeah and I just want to add...

How tits is it gunna be when Canada kicks the USA's ass on their home soil to advance (and eventually win) final???

Oh yeah. I'm sorry if I came out answering tofurkey's like an ass, I didn't mean it. After all, when Canada wins the Gold Cup, it doesn't matter wheather your from Winnipeg or Toronto, we'll still be celebrating.

I work at BMO field


Now look what you've done! You've forced me to ask you to get me a Toronto FC scarf. You can't get them anywhere except the stadium store, and the stadium store is only open on game day and only to people with tickets to the game....so, I need someone on the inside! I've been told I might have to wait till Christmas till stores get the scarves. That is very upsetting.

Um.....it's my b.day tomorrow. Pretty please?

My reply was Sunday and I don't work on Sundays:nuts: :nuts: you crazy!

either way, I certainly wouldn't put it past you!

S'alright, I was just frustrated that the last page and half of the thread was just an argument about fans at FC games.

I'm hopeful for Thursday, but not too confident that we'll make it through to the final. I'm going to my local Italian bar to watch the game and drink some espressos!

I'd love to see Canada vs. Mexico in the final!

And where is Radzinski? Is he injured, or not selected for some reason?

S'alright, I was just frustrated that the last page and half of the thread was just an argument about fans at FC games.

You can thank our good friend from Laval for that.

And where is Radzinski? Is he injured, or not selected for some reason?

he was just listed as "unavailable". But it seems that he's neither unwanted nor injured.

Now look what you've done! You've forced me to ask you to get me a Toronto FC scarf. You can't get them anywhere except the stadium store, and the stadium store is only open on game day and only to people with tickets to the game....so, I need someone on the inside! I've been told I might have to wait till Christmas till stores get the scarves. That is very upsetting.

Um.....it's my b.day tomorrow. Pretty please?

Haha well good point, only problem is that there arent going to be any home games for about a month, so I dunno if they will be selling them for the U20 WC, but I will do some snooping around and see what I can do....Il keep you posted haha, u never know:lol:

You can thank our good friend from Laval for that.

Taller what are you doing in this thread anyways? have you been to a soccer game in your life? I was answering to chocho's question about impact-white caps cause I was there and i was expressing my point of view about the ultra kids and you punks jumped on me as if I commited a haineous crime.

Taller what are you doing in this thread anyways? have you been to a soccer game in your life? I was answering to chocho's question about impact-white caps cause I was there and i was expressing my point of view about the ultra kids and you punks jumped on me as if I commited a haineous crime.

Pfffft. Obvious what you were doing in this thread.. just like so many other threads you have been in.
I'm actually trying to get tickets for an FC game, but the bulk of them are presold as season tickets. Others are hard to come by.

Haha well good point, only problem is that there arent going to be any home games for about a month, so I dunno if they will be selling them for the U20 WC, but I will do some snooping around and see what I can do....Il keep you posted haha, u never know:lol:

Do you know if (for the U20 World Cup) there will be a certain amount of tickets released on game day?

Pfffft. Obvious what you were doing in this thread.. just like so many other threads you have been in.
I'm actually trying to get tickets for an FC game, but the bulk of them are presold as season tickets. Others are hard to come by.

Taller Better you should be renamed Troller Better. Every thread you jump on people and bring nothing to discussions. Stop playing the martyr.

If I "jump on people", it is when people like yourself (or your fellow Laval member with almost the same name "elkram") who constantly snipe and bitch about Toronto. Park your attitude at the door, and you might get jumped on "as if I commited a haineous crime" less, and this thread can move on beyond being a Montreal vs Toronto thing.

It is not a Montreal vs Toronto thread, and never was. Don't try to make it sound like that.

Good. Glad you understand! Haggling gets boring and takes the thread offtrack. :)

I'm gonna head up to YUL for the night on the 3rd to check out the U20 Brasil-South Korea match. Being a Liverpool fan i'm pretty stoked to check out Brasil's Lucas Leiva. Liverpool signed him a couple months ago and he is supposed to be the next Kaka (hopefully!).

I heard they sold 500k tickets for U-20 here! doubling the initial objective to sell 250k.

Too bad Germany isn't playing in Montreal :(

i thought the initial objective was 600k..right now approaching almost 750k

I double checked and the latest numbers for Montréal is 600k!

Today is SEMI-FINAL day!

Brunt: World game finally embraced by Canadians

STEPHEN BRUNT
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070620.brunt21/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home

Now it's all taken for granted.

Toronto FC effectively sells out its entire inaugural season in Major League Soccer. Tickets for the under-20 World Cup matches at BMO Field in Toronto have been almost all snapped up, as have 55,000 seats for the opening doubleheader at Montreal's Olympic Stadium.

When Toronto striker Danny Dichio sprained his ankle last week, it was played like real sports news in the local press, with the understanding that plenty of people knew who he is, knew what role he plays and were concerned about the outcome of his magnetic resonance imaging test.

Thursday night, when Canada plays the United States in the semi-final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in Chicago, perhaps the country won't be holding its collective breath at the outcome. But there's no denying a growing awareness that the men's senior national team, during the lead-in to World Cup qualifying, is starting to show signs of life.

And in a few weeks, when David Beckham arrives with the Los Angeles Galaxy, it will be the biggest sports and sports-media event of the summer in Toronto.

Soccer – “soccerball,” as The Guardian derisively refers to the North American variant of the world game – has achieved a critical mass in Central Canada that, a year ago, the usual naysayers would have claimed was impossible.

Think back to what was being said and written just a few months back:

That the MLS was a minor league by definition that would never sell in the Great Metropolis, where anything other than the biggest and best has always struggled, just as the MLS has struggled to find an audience in some of its U.S. markets.

That the various pockets of ethnic soccer support would stick to their long-distance, Old World allegiances and turn up their noses at anything less than AC Milan or Manchester United.

That Toronto FC would be lucky to draw 10,000 fans a game, and its players would be just as anonymous in the city as those of the American Hockey League's Marlies.

That the stadium, constructed with large doses of public money, would soon become a white elephant.

That the under-20 tournament, no big deal in the more soccer-mad parts of the planet, would die a terrible, embarrassing death in Canada.

That you just can't sell soccer here because you never could, because all of those soccer-playing kids and their parents don't translate into ticket-buying soccer fans. Remember what happened to the North American Soccer League, and they had Pele and Georgie Best.

And by the way, Beckham is washed up in any case.

So far, every bit of that conventional wisdom has been proved wrong, and all of those old assumptions have proved to be out of date, including the premature reports of Beckham's demise as a world-class footballer.

It was interesting this week to chart the reaction to Alexi Lalas, the former American international who now runs the Galaxy, and his rather outrageous suggestion that the MLS is effectively on a par with the English Premiership.

Even those who believe the Premier League a bit overhyped would never go that far. (Though you can certainly understand Lalas's frustration with the remarkably smug chauvinism of the English sports press.) But rather than taking what Lalas said as an opportunity to slag the domestic game as inferior, for the most part the soccer crowd, old and new, understood that it was an apples and oranges comparison – the MLS is what we've got, it's plenty entertaining and that's enough.

That's a huge, healthy change in mindset from once upon a time, when the soccer hard core here enjoyed their cultish, insider status and weren't anxious to welcome the great unwashed. And it's a reflection of all of those new fans who caught the bug while watching European games and World Cup action on television and now are flocking to buy tickets to see the sport live.

It's been quite the shift in perception, a dream spring for those who always believed that it could work.

Now add one last piece of the puzzle: a Canadian side in the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, creating a true national rooting interest, in addition to all of those other blood ties.

Imagine how that would play out.

Hmmm...my prediction for tonight is 5-1 Canada!!

Full Time:

USA: 2 Canada: 1

Canada scored a goal at the last second of stoppage time that was ruled offside. Of course it wasn't, not by a mile, but you've got to expect that from CONCACAF officiating.

Oh yeah, and one more thing. I realize that it's pretty cool that Martin Nash is Steve's brother and he could probably get you his autograph and all, but could you please refrain from selecting him to play for Canada EVER again? Thanks.

completely robbed tonight...:(

Robbed, completely fucking robbed!!!! I hate those yanks even more now.

Yanks and Ref fuck up Canada, again...

The U.S. continued its domination (fuckery) over Canada at the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a controversial 2-1 victory during Thursday night's semifinals in Chicago.

The Americans advance to Sunday's final against Mexico, who defeated Guadeloupe 1-0 in the other semifinal on Thursday.

The game ended in dispute after an offside call cost Canada an opportunity to send the match into overtime.

Trailing 2-1 in the dying seconds of the contest, forward Atiba Hutchinson broke in alone and slipped a shot behind American goalkeeper Kasey Keller in the fifth minute of extra time, only to be ruled offside by Mexican referee Benito Archundia.

However, replays showed the ball went off U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu, and Hutchinson was even with the last American defender before he broke into the penalty area.

Several Canadian players approached officials at the conclusion of the match to complain about the call, but the decision was upheld.

"Their player headed the ball down into the box and our player kicked it in," Canada coach Stephen Hart said. "If one of their players played the ball back, it's a back pass and it cannot be offsides. That's how I saw it."

Canada forward Dwayne DeRosario agreed.

"It was definitely a goal. No question," he said. "It's very frustrating."

Onyewu said he headed the ball, but still claims Hutchinson was offside.

"I don't think it matters what I thought," he said. "The call was offsides."

Forward Landon Donovan led the U.S. attack with a goal and assist, while defender Frankie Hejduk scored the first goal of the game.

Midfielder Iain Hume provided Canada's only goal in the second half.
The Americans took a 2-0 lead with a pair of goals in the final five minutes of the first half.

With the U.S. applying heavy pressure, Donovan fed a pass to Hejduk, who drove a low shot off the goalpost and past Canadian goalkeeper Pat Onstad for a 1-0 edge.

The Americans continued to press Canada in the waning moments of the first half, which led to their second goal.

The U.S. was awarded a penalty shot after midfielder DaMarcus Beasley was taken down by Onstad in the penalty area. Donovan took the shot and made no mistake with the opportunity, beating Onstad to give the U.S. a 2-0 lead.

"We did things to put ourselves in that position, whether it was a bad call or not," Onstad said. "We dug ourselves a hole."

The Canadians struck back in the 76th minute to reduce the lead to 2-1. Hume cut inside of American defender Carlos Bocanegra in the penalty area and beat Keller to the far side of the net.

Prior to this year, Canada and the U.S. had played twice at the Gold Cup, with the Canadians losing both games, including a penalty shootout defeat in the 2002 semifinals.

The Americans will play the final without the services of Hejduk and Michael Bradley. Hejduk picked up his second yellow card in consecutive games and Bradley was handed a red card in the 89th minute for a reckless tackle.

w8Kt7eNSwYA

ahem...

Hume's goal was superb!

GtpfrZBcPlw

If they want a MEX-USA final, they can have it...I just hope that ref NEVER receives a green card, hmph!

USA "won" it.

Wow, here is something I did not know. Soccer attracts 855,000 registered male and female players in Canada, 372,000 of which are in Ontario.

Wow, here is something I did not know. Soccer attracts 855,000 registered male and female players in Canada, 372,000 of which are in Ontario.

yep, it's the largest sport in the country.

Take that hockey!!

As a Torontonian, I call for a new national soccer stadium in Edmonton! Toronto is just embarassing.

As a Torontonian, I call for a new national soccer stadium in Edmonton! Toronto is just embarassing.

BMO Field is embarassing? Why? I thought you were a big fan?

I am, but last night was embarassing. Half the stands were Chile fans and chanted against Canada (on fucking Canada Day). That's another thing, Chileans actually chanted!

Same thing happened at the Canada vs. Argentina game (at least the Canadians outchanted the Argies), half the stands were Argies.

Now I understand why Edmonton was the home of the MNT, at least they all supported Canada.

I am, but last night was embarassing. Half the stands were Chile fans and chanted against Canada (on fucking Canada Day). That's another thing, Chileans actually chanted!

Same thing happened at the Canada vs. Argentina game (at least the Canadians outchanted the Argies), half the stands were Argies.

Now I understand why Edmonton was the home of the MNT, at least they all supported Canada.

sorry Chocho.... I don't see the problem. Edmonton doesn't have a big South American community, that is probably why you wouldn't see it happen there. People have difficulty giving up loyalty to their home nation, but that is pretty normal, is it not? I would have been surprised if there hadn't been a substantial Chilean cheerleading contingent.

Until Canada shows it's a powerhouse in the game, you'll continue seeing these latin American countries snapping up a lions share of tickets. The exact same thing happens in Vancouver. Regarding the chanting/crowd noise... Canadian sports fans are relatively tame when it comes to this, like it or not. Our chants do not go much beyond "Go Canada Go"... :lol:

sorry Chocho.... I don't see the problem. Edmonton doesn't have a big South American community, that is probably why you wouldn't see it happen there. People have difficulty giving up loyalty to their home nation, but that is pretty normal, is it not? I would have been surprised if there hadn't been a substantial Chilean cheerleading contingent.

Foreigners cheering for their homeland is one thing, a Chilean-Canadian cheering for Chile over Canada is another matter. Canada should be the homeland. I'm English by birth, but Canada is my homeland, and the country that provides me with everything in my life.

Chileans cheering Chile at the Canada Day game? I always greet such people with: good game and enjoy your vacation in my country. The tourists say thank you, the rest look puzzled, then reflect.

Foreigners cheering for their homeland is one thing, a Chilean-Canadian cheering for Chile over Canada is another matter. Canada should be the homeland. I'm English by birth, but Canada is my homeland, and the country that provides me with everything in my life.

Chileans cheering Chile at the Canada Day game? I always greet such people with: good game and enjoy your vacation in my country. The tourists say thank you, the rest look puzzled, then reflect.


Supposing you were a huge Man United fan, and they came to play in Toronto... would you not feel the slightest bit tempted to cheer for your home team? A lot of these people from Chile have only come to Canada within the last decade. I don't think it means they hate Canada... they are just cheering for their home team. Their children and their children's children will cheer for Canada.. that is how immigration works.

But these people were completely against Canada. Sure if you cheer for both and be happy when they both score I wouldn't mnd that. But when you completely turn down your country of residence, it's a bit much.

Anyways, the only way to win the heart of immigrants is too become a better footballing nation, and I have a feeling that will happen.

^^ I'll grant you that it is a bit extreme and possibly a touch nasty. I'd be tempted to cheer for both if I were in that situation. But a lot of it is just about pride, and being able to celebrate a bit for some people who may be a bit homesick. I'd be willing to bet that if an average Canadian moved to the States, they would cheer loudly for their NHL teams from back home, instead of the local city where they live. It's all just a game, really............

Exactly! Well said.

"I'd be willing to bet that if an average Canadian moved to the States, they would cheer loudly for their NHL teams from back home, instead of the local city where they live"

<<< Not just the States, but it'd also happen if they moved to another Canadian city... Damn Leaf, Habs, Roughrider... fans. :)

Plus, also if the National Team is from Edmonton, there is going to be a bit of a disconnect with the local fans as they don't have any history with it.

a big FUCK YOU!!!! to Dale Mitchell.