Author Murray Mollard talks state of Canadian soccer in ‘Winning Pitch’

Canada will host the World Cup in just a couple of weeks. Author Murray Mollard examines the state of Canadian soccer in his new book.

Canadian soccer writer Murray Mollard is optimistic about Canada’s chances at the World Cup.

He predicts the team will survive the round robin and make it to the knockout round of the tournament.

“I think it’s possible that we could win our group if we play to the potential that we have. Failing that, we could at least finish second,” Mollard told CTV News.

Mollard’s new book is Winning Pitch: Canada’s Men’s Soccer Team at the World Cup and Beyond.

The book chronicles decades of disappointment for Canada until its more recent qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Mollard hopes Canadian success at this year’s World Cup can create a boost for the sport, which could lead to the creation of more soccer facilities across Canada.

“What we need is that sort of afterglow if we can be successful to really propel us into the future,” he said.

Mollard will give a presentation on Winning Pitch on Saturday, May 30, at 12:30 p.m. at the Elephant and Castle in Calgary.