Nigel Reed
writes and broadcasts at CBC Sports
The Canadian national team – an overlooked attraction
It is the final weekend of the Canadian National Exhibition. It is Labour Day weekend – the last few hours of freedom before children return to school. One last chance to enjoy the retreating summer before the classroom demands their attention and stress levels skyrocket among adolescent students.
For one night only there was an extra show at the CNE. In the middle of a giant fairground on the Toronto lakeshore, Canada’s finest came to play. The ‘Ex’ was packed with thousands in search of fun and thrills but, for most, the rare attraction of international soccer held little appeal.
Plenty of fans milled around the stadium’s perimeter as kick of time approached. Most were clad in red and white, the national colours of Canada. And Peru. Replica jerseys were the attire of choice and the vast majority proudly displayed their loyalty – to the South American visitors.
White shirts with the classic red diagonal stripe – Peru’s calling card since the 1930s – were everywhere. It was Canada’s first home game in Toronto for two years but, before I ever reached the media entrance, the home advantage already seemed lost.
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