World Cup: Montreal's Moroccans cheer as Canada falls behind early

In Montreal's Little Maghreb neighbourhood, devoted soccer fans clapped, sang and chanted every time Morocco took possession of the ball.

MONTREAL — Team Canada on Thursday fell behind early in its final match at the World Cup in Qatar, leaving Moroccan supporters jubilant and fans of Canada sorrowful but still full of pride that their team made the tournament for the first time since 1986.

At the Cafe Sable d’or in Montreal’s Little Maghreb neighbourhood — home to a large Moroccan population — devoted soccer fans clapped, sang and chanted every time Morocco took possession of the ball.

“I’m here to support Morocco; I’m Moroccan,” said Bouzid Essakhi, 60.

“Canada has a great team and great players, but they seem to be missing a coach. As long as Belgium doesn’t win, that’s all that matters,” he said in reference to the final game between the other members of Group F: Belgium and Croatia.

The crowd erupted in cheers when Morocco scored its first goal four minutes into the game, as ecstatic fans sang the country’s national anthem.

“I’m Moroccan, and I don’t yet have my Canadian citizenship, so I’m supporting Morocco,” said Mehdi Fadriq, 27. “Thus far, I have been very surprised by Canada’s performance because they have a really good team.”

Meanwhile, in Newfoundland and Labrador, a groan went out in a St. John’s bar as Morocco scored its second goal. “The first one was worse,” said Colin Dalton, co-owner of the Duke of Duckworth.

More than two dozen people were gathered beneath large television screens in the darkened bar, slowly sipping pints and occasionally shaking their heads.

Dalton sponsors the local senior men’s team — who often gather at the bar a lot for after-game drinks. Nick Whalen, a former member of Parliament, plays on the team.

“It’s in!” Whalen boomed as Canada knocked the ball past Morocco’s goalkeeper, making the score two to one.

“It’s great to see Canada in the World Cup,” Whelan said. “A lot of these young players are going to be around when Canada hosts in 2026. And they’ll be even better then.”

Canada was playing for pride Thursday after the team lost to Croatia on Sunday and was eliminated from the knockout round in its first World Cup appearance since 1986. But Morocco — which is making its sixth appearance at the World Cup — is in a strong position to make it to the knockout stage.

Melanie Bradly, general manager at Brams United Girls Soccer Club in Brampton, Ont., said she was proud of team Canada playing at the World Cup, despite the fact that the team won’t make it to the knockout stage.

“We are really proud, especially here in Brampton, to have seven players that have grown up playing at our fields across the city, competing at this level and representing the country. It is a very proud moment for us,” she said before the game. “I think we are really starting to show the world that we are a soccer nation.”

Some Moroccan-Canadians said they’ll be happy no matter who wins. Abderrahman El Fouladi, 70, who arrived in Canada 31 years ago, said before the game that he will be cheering on both teams surrounded by his Canadian-Moroccan family.

Whatever the outcome, Canada will be represented one way or another as Morocco’s goalie, Yassine Bounou, was born in Montreal and is Canadian-Moroccan, he said in an interview.

Canada and Morocco have faced each other three previous times, with Morocco winning twice and the teams drawing once.

With files from Marisela Amador in Montreal, Sarah Smellie in St. John’s and Sharif Hassan in Brampton, Ont.