Fariha Naqvi-Mohamed: The World Cup unites us in passion and pride

Whether yours is a soccer-loving family like my own, or you just hop onto the bandwagon every four years (and there isn’t any shame in that), or your focus on other matters is being interrupted by honking car horns, chances are you know that the men’s World Cup is currently taking place in Qatar.

While I appreciate a finely executed goal, what I really I love about this event is the passion, pride and diversity showcased both on the world stage and here in the streets of Montreal. People gather in restaurants, pubs and schools with friends just about anywhere the game can be streamed. Schools such as John Abbott College stream games in public areas for students to tune in between classes.

I love seeing people driving around with different flags on their cars. Others celebrate in the streets after their home country’s win. One bemused non-soccer fan I know told me of seeing a shirtless youth running wildly up a residential street this past chilly Sunday morning, waving his shirt over his head, and only later realized he was probably celebrating Morocco’s upset of Belgium. I must admit that this all can be incredibly confusing for those who do not follow soccer.

When certain countries play, neighbourhoods like Park Extension or Little Maghreb come alive with celebrations. And for Montrealers of Belgian, Croatian or Moroccan descent, Canada’s games against those countries provided an opportunity for them to root for both teams close to their hearts. That’s the beauty of living in a county as diverse as Canada. We’re stronger because of our diversity, not in spite of it, and we can be passionate about two countries that we love.

Another reason to celebrate: Six of the players on our national team are from CF Montreal. This is something that we Montrealers should be incredibly proud of.

What I also love is the joie de vivre that comes with the World Cup. It’s a chance to abandon our worries and lose ourselves in cheering on a team or teams that resonate with us. For some, it may be their country of choice; for others, it may be where they were born. Either way, we attach ourselves to countries represented by their finest soccer athletes and cheer them on with joy and excitement. In my opinion, this month-long tournament is hands down the best in the world featuring any single sport, as it is the most international, the most viewed and, arguably, the most prestigious tournament in professional sports. To be able to represent one’s country on this illustrious stage is the highest honour any soccer player — and perhaps any athlete, period — can aspire to.

Canada held its own against Belgium, the team ranked number two in the world, and only lost by one goal. That’s no small feat.

Against Croatia, Canada finally scored its first goal ever in World Cup play, even though it lost the game. Making our country proud was Alphonso Davies, of Edmonton, born to Liberian parents in a refugee camp in Ghana. Davis owes his success to both his incredible athletic ability and his hard work, dedication and perseverance.

On Thursday, Canada lost 2-1 to Morocco, our country’s goal less gloriously coming after a Moroccan player scored in his own net.

As the first elimination round comes to a close, and we accept that Canada will not be advancing, I am still immensely proud of what our team has accomplished.

That’s the power of sports. It brings us together and allows us to celebrate our athletes’ accomplishments and diversity and honour how much stronger we are because of it.

Fariha Naqvi-Mohamed is the founder and editor in chief of CanadianMomEh.com, a lifestyle blog.

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