For the duration of the FIFA World Cup, North Vancouver’s Shipyards may be known as Canada Soccer House, but England supporters made themselves right at home on Wednesday. About 2,400 people filled the space Wednesday for England’s opening match against Croatia. With expectations high for the Three Lions, as England’s squad is known, there were tense moments in the early going. But when striker Harry Kane stepped up to the penalty spot in the 12th minute and drilled a shot into the back of the net, the crowd roared. A handful of Croatia supporters also showed up and were rewarded when their team drew level at one a few minutes later. England fans had more to cheer about later in the half when Kane got his head on a corner kick and directed it into the net. “I think there is an opportunity to get a win still, but Croatia is also looking really solid,” said England fan Andrew Johnson. True to form, Croatia equalized at two in the dying seconds of the first half. “I’m ecstatic. I was so hyped. I’m like the only Croatian fan here so I couldn’t help but get loud, right?” Mason Sanders told CTV News at halftime. Many in attendance raved about the atmosphere at Canada Soccer House. “Awesome. Free to get in. It’s always great to experience these types of events with an atmosphere like this. A nice full atmosphere,” Johnson said. England went on to score another pair of goals in the second half to secure the 4-2 win over a Croatia squad many expect to be the Three Lions’ toughest competition in the group stage. “I’m feeling positive. We scored four goals. Harry Kane is the best striker in the world. It’s coming home!” said Nat Christmas, a Londoner who has called Vancouver home for four years. Canadian soccer royalty was in attendance for the match. Former national women’s team goalie Stephanie Labbe has an Olympic gold medal and played in three FIFA Women’s World Cups. “The energy here is amazing. Whether you’re cheering for one of the teams in the game at that time or not, just being here, feeling the energy of everybody else around, you really rally around the game and rally around that excitement. And this World Cup has been amazing so far,” she said. With Canada set to face Qatar at BC Place on Thursday, organizers expect a sea of red and white at the Shipyards – and fans are advised to arrive well ahead of kickoff to secure their place in front of the big screen at Canada Soccer House.
