Canada's first real test in the arduous journey to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa is still a month away, and yet there's a groundswell of momentum already being built.
Because of our multicultural makeup, we have a history in this country where Canada is often playing an away match on home turf. Jamaica, Honduras and Mexico will all receive support for the upcoming matches in Canada. And yet it feels different this time. Tickets for the opener at BMO Field August 20th against Jamaica are already becoming scarce, but there's evidence its Canadian supporters who are jumping on. In fact the TFC supporters groups have joined forces with the main Canadian flag-wavers, the Voyageurs to lock up as much of BMO Field as they can. Congratulations to them. It's up to the rest of you to complete the sea of flag-waving red we all want. And for the first time, away supporters will be sectioned off, much like we see in other countries around the world.
Peter Montopoli is the boss at the CSA and he vows there will no repeat of situations in the past where the local Canadian organizing group has actually catered to the away team. We are so nice in this country aren't we? But when Canada heads into Central America or the Caribbean, the atmosphere is nothing short of hostile. Yes, there will be away support in Toronto, as there will be for the Honduras game in Montreal Sept. 6 and for the Mexico match in Edmonton Oct. 15t. We'll have all the matches on Sportsnet by the way. But the Canadian ticket-buying public has to step up and give our National team all the support it deserves. The supporters groups have worked hard to do their part. Join them at BMO Field, Stade Saputo and Commonwealth Stadium. I remember past occasions when the Canadian team players felt angry, dejected and resentful over the way they were treated on home soil.
This is our best Canadian team ever with a wonderful chance to qualify. Do your part. By the way, you'll see some terrific soccer as well.
