Canada signed off from a groundbreaking World Cup campaign with an emotional message to supporters on Saturday, thanking ?fans for helping transform the country’s football landscape after dream run ended.
Moments after their 3-0 last-16 loss to Morocco, Canada Soccer’s Instagram account posted a heartfelt tribute to supporters, reflecting a tournament ?that featured numerous firsts and captured the imagination of ?the country.
“Every story has an ending. This one just ?doesn’t feel like one right now,” the post began.
“Over ?the last few weeks, we watched an entire country fall in ?love with this team. Streets filled with red. Living rooms became supporter sections. Kids who once dreamed about wearing the crest of their ?ancestral homes discovered a new dream.”
The team, who reached the ?World Cup knockouts for the first time and then sealed victory over ?Africa in the last 32, said the tournament had removed any lingering doubts about the place of the sport in Canada.
“We’ve always believed this was a football country. Now we ?know it is.”
Canada ?also thanked supporters ?who travelled, packed stadiums and followed the team from home.
“History wasn’t just made on the ?pitch. It was made in homes, schools, parks, ?pubs, ?and communities across this country,” the post read. “It was made every time someone chose to believe.”
The message ended on a note ?of ?optimism despite the disappointment of elimination.
“Our ?World Cup journey comes to a close,” it said. “Canada’s football journey is only ?just beginning. See you soon.”