TORONTO (AP) — It wasn’t just Cyle Larin’s goal. Saved the opening game of the World Cup For Canada on Friday, it was a reason for many Canadian celebrities to stomp their feet and scream.
“Deadpool” star and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, NHL celebrity Connor McDavid and actor Mike Myers were among the Canadian stars featured among the 43,002 fans announced for the first men’s game at BMO Field. world cup A game played on Canadian soil.
Myers was wearing a Canada jersey and red bucket hat. That’s right, baby.
“Mike Myers was here? How cool,” said Canadian coach Jesse Marsh. “At one point, I saw (music producer) Boi-1da on TV. I think a lot of people are enjoying the World Cup in Canada, but my job is just focused on making sure we give this country a team that we can be proud of.”
Larin’s late game-tying goal tied Canada 1-1 with Bosnia, giving Canada its first World Cup point and recapturing a day of national pride and joy. When Larin scored, Reynolds clapped and shouted along with the rest of the crowd. The stadium was nearly full, with some empty spaces below the bowl and new temporary seating above.
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette was also in attendance, capping off the upbeat opening ceremony with a captivating rendition of the national anthem, “O Canada.”
Canada hosted the Women’s World Cup in 2015, as well as the Winter Olympics (twice) and the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal. However, this is the first time the Men’s World Cup will be held in Canada, with 13 matches played between Toronto and Vancouver.
Although the Canadian players couldn’t see the celebrities, they were happy with the atmosphere.
“You know, it wasn’t just, ‘We’re coming down there to have a picnic and a nice afternoon,’” defender Alistair Johnston said. “They invested all their money.”
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
