The first of the men’s World Cup games in Toronto was always about patriotic fervor for the home crowd, helping Canada to a strong start in this most important tournament. The next match, however, will be all about spectacle as Toronto hosts its second of six World Cup dates, each unique with a different mix of passionate supporter groups.
There isn’t a tournament quite like the World Cup, where thousands of fans from across the globe gather to see their nations compete, often in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not even a week in, we have seen celebrations in streets and stadiums across 16 venues in three countries.
Queiroz Praises Fan Support
Ghanaian coach Carlos Queiroz, one of the most traveled figures in soccer, described the boisterous reception his team received upon arrival at their downtown Toronto hotel on Monday. “It is amazing when these moments happen,” the 73-year-old Portuguese soccer lifer said at his pre-match news conference Tuesday at Toronto Stadium. “We know the size of the mountain in front of us. We need the 12th man. I hope that during the game, the drums of Ghana will be pounding for 90 minutes and mirror the beat of our heart.”
The soundtrack of those drums wielded by Black Stars supporters will be prominent on Toronto streets hours before the 7 p.m. kickoff and inside the stadium. That beat will battle with the carnival-style embrace of those backing the Red Wave of Panama.
Exotic Atmosphere Expected
An African team versus a Central American one may not top the charts in terms of serious contenders at this World Cup, but they take a back seat to few in terms of their verve for the experience. We saw a taste of that passion in the Toronto opener with the pro-Canadian contingent and a compact yet boisterous group of Bosnian supporters. On Wednesday, it figures to be equally electric but more exotic.
“When we hear our anthem and see all the Panamanians, it’s going to be even more emotional for us,” said Panama coach Thomas Christiansen, who has guided the team since 2020. “It’s something that’s going to be contagious and take us to the highest level. The stadium is going to be at least half full of Panamanians, and that fills us with pride. We’re going to be feeling that close to our hearts.”
Ghana as Group L Sleeper?
The leadership of Queiroz could be the ultimate wild card for Ghana as he makes a fifth consecutive World Cup appearance as a coach, his third team (Portugal in 2010, followed by Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022). This opportunity arose after Ghana fired Otto Addo following lackluster friendlies, and Queiroz swooped in as an experienced veteran tasked with a quick fix. “Players ultimately need to know they have my full trust and they also have to trust the plan,” Queiroz said. “I am pleased. The team has responded very well. They are very cohesive and well-adjusted.”
It would still be an upset for Ghana to advance. England, ranked fourth by FIFA in the final pre-Cup listings, is favored, followed by Croatia (11th), Panama (34th), and Ghana (73rd).
Need to Know
- Group L is the last of 12 groups to get underway in this expanded World Cup. By the time it finishes, Canada will be less than 24 hours away from its second match, a Thursday date against Qatar in Vancouver.
- Ghana, making its fifth World Cup appearance, has been a giant-killer in the past, reaching the quarterfinals in 2010.
- Panama, benefiting from free host passes awarded to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, cruised through CONCACAF qualifying. In its most recent tune-up, Panama played Bosnia and Herzegovina to a 1-1 draw.
Canada’s ‘Other’ World Cup Team
Panama is unofficially Canada’s other team at this World Cup, the only other nation to have its base camp north of the border. With their first two matches at Toronto Stadium, the Panamanians settled in at the Nottawasaga Resort in Alliston, Ontario, a facility that has hosted visiting international teams before. The time has allowed them to acclimatize to life in Ontario, where they will remain through next Tuesday’s match against Croatia. “We have had great experiences,” Christiansen said. “We have had time to practice our tactical and technical components, and I feel like the players are going to be ready for the match.”
