The nation of Canada were happy and excited with their soccer team as they recorded their first win in the World Cup with a 6-0 whitewash of Qatar at the Vancouver Stadium.

Sitting with my Canadian friends in Manitoba, it was a delight to watch as the lads went haywire. Cyle Larin scored the opener, Jonathan David scored a hattrick, Nathan Saliba scored as a sub in the rout. An own goal made up the numbers.

There were 2 red cards to the Qatari side. 1st was a denial of goal scoring opportunity in the 33rd minutes. The other resulted in a serious injury for Ismael Kone, whose tournament is over.

The win puts Canada at the top of group B, above Switzerland who defeated Bosnia 4-1 with all goals in the last 16 minutes of the game. A draw for Canada in their next game guarantees top spot.

In Group A, Mexico pipped Korea 1-0 to remain at the top of the table while South Africa and Czechia played out a 1-1 draw. Will South Africa get a win against Korea in their last game? Can Czechia shock Morocco?

Today, action moves to Group C & D. The US play Australia in Seattle while Turkey & Paraguay play in San Francisco for their first point in Group D. In C, Scotland play Morocco in Boston while Brazil play Haiti in Philadelphia.

The hydration break within the matches have raised eyebrows. With huge commercials during the break, it has made the game look like one with 4 quarters. How do you take a water break when it is raining? That happened in Toronto.

Irrespective, the World Cup has been fun. The Stadiums are filled. Canada’s win will trigger a movement within the communities. It would no longer be an “immigrant” game. With adequate support, soccer can gain the status of Hockey and (American) football in Canada.

That’s it for today. Time to see Mexico.