The crowd lets out a roar of joy at the Bruno Sport Bar on Beaubien Street in Montreal. Canada just cemented their 3-0 lead against Jamaica with just 18 minutes left in the game. And, by the same token, to crystallize his qualification for the Soccer World Cup, which a draw was enough to get him.
A few minutes later, after another Canadian goal and the final whistle from the referee, the customers seated at the small tables in the bar shout and applaud in unison: it’s done. For the first time since 1986, Canada qualifies for the Men’s Soccer World Cup, to be held in Qatar in November.
“I would never have thought of experiencing this,” says Alain, feverishly. A regular at the bar and a big soccer fan, Alain has to speak loudly to make himself heard above the music and the enthusiastic remarks of the TV commentators: “What I would like is for us to be in the same group as France . Without a doubt, a Canada-France match would create an electric atmosphere in the streets of Montreal.
After the game is over, most patrons stay seated to watch the post-game celebrations. For most men in their thirties, they sip their beer and finish their bowl of popcorn while chatting. No riot, only well-contained joy. “It must be more hectic in Toronto or Ottawa. In Quebec, we don’t really have a patriotic streak,” says Alain.
A concentrated crowd
When The duty arrived at the small Rosemont bar, about twenty minutes before the end of the match, the majority of the spectators stared silently at the many screens. William, Esteban and Antoine, three young adults seated at a table in the middle of the bar, smile shyly when asked about their interest in the game.
“I am half Chilean, but Chile did not qualify for the World Cup, explains Esteban. At least I’ll have a team to cheer on. William is also delighted with this qualification, he who grew up with a Canadian team reputed to be mediocre. “When I was young, I liked soccer, but our national team was not good. At least I’ve been listening to soccer more since CF Montreal has been playing Major League Soccer,” he says.
On screen, Canadian striker Lucas Cavallini misses a scoring opportunity. “He’s not even good,” says William, indignant. Four young women sitting next to them don’t even glance at the soccer game. “We are here for basketball,” warns one of them, pointing to the only screen in the square that does not show images of BMO Field in Toronto, where the game is taking place.
Two minutes before the end of the match, the Jamaican team, visibly overwhelmed by the many Canadian offensives, scored a goal in its own net. The face of the poor player who made the mistake appears on screen. “Oh no…”, exclaims a spectator, distressed at the sight of her crestfallen expression.
From hockey to soccer
On this Sunday evening at the Bruno Sport Bar, the enthusiasm of the public is altogether contained. We are far from the collective effervescence felt during the playoffs of the Montreal Canadiens, last spring. Erik, a customer visiting the bar for the first time, nevertheless draws a parallel with the Montreal club.
“The Canadian soccer team is like the CH last spring: it may not be the best team, but it has a great team spirit”, he notes, confident that the selection will be able to perform in Qatar in November.
Her friend Liesel, sitting next to her at the back of the bar, sees a symbol of unity in tonight’s game: “I’m from Toronto, and despite the language difference, we all take for Canada. She adds that since her father is German, his allegiances will be shared next November. “But in a Germany-Canada match, I would take for Canada,” she admits, laughing.
The bar empties quietly while a few customers come to ask for a new drink. “Today, it’s a little less busy since it’s a Sunday, says Sophie Doyle, waitress. But usually, we are full for all the games of Canada. »
In the absence of a Montreal participation in the hockey playoffs this spring, it will perhaps be the men’s soccer team that will raise passions in the streets this year. “During the World Cup, we expect a line to the sidewalk,” predicts Sophie Doyle, a smile on her face.