Despite heartbreaking loss, Calgary soccer fans give 2 thumbs up to team’s World Cup performance

A large contingent of Canadian soccer fans attended a watch party at Spruce Meadows Saturday to see Canada lose 3-0 to Morocco to end their World Cup run.

Team Canada’s historic World Cup run came to a bittersweet end Saturday with a 3-0 loss to Morocco in the round of 16.

Soccer fans enjoyed the game at a watch party at Spruce Meadows.

While Saturday’s result was a disappointment for Canada fans, it capped off a strong overall showing on the world stage.

Many Team Canada watchers say this World Cup marks an important step forward for soccer in Canada.

“We’re disappointed with the outcome of the game, but it’s just been so exciting to watch Canada play in the World Cup and actually compete with these big teams,” said one fan, “I feel like it’s been my entire life I’ve been waiting to watch soccer like this for our country, and it’s been so amazing to be able to be a part of it.”

“I think I feel mostly proud,” said another. “I didn’t expect for us to win this game to be honest a little bit -- but showing the world that we can play and we did that.”

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was in Calgary Saturday. He was one of the fans cheering on Team Canada at a southeast Boston Pizza.

With files from CTV News’ Tommy Osborne