It's hard to imagine now, with the
prevalence of footie channels on cable and the all encompassing
influence of the internet in today's society how very different
things were just 10 years ago in this country. The long suffering
soccer sub-culture in Canada which had learned to survive on short
rations from the mainstream media was only just beginning to get a
taste of the luxuries which accompany recognition by that particular
business community. The luxuries that today, we all take very much
for granted. Twenty-four hour soccer channels on the tube, endless
availability of soccer news from around the world, a strong domestic
blog-o-sphere and soccer as a necessary part of the sports coverage
for any and all of Canada's biggest media broadcasters. A decade
ago, things were very, very different. By 2010 we were seeing the
end of the dark ages of footie non-coverage but were still a long cry
from where things stand today.
So it speaks to the accomplishments of
Canada's 2010 Gold Cup Champions that their unlikely but fully
deserved victory gained national attention by a media which was only
just waking up to the size and potential of Canada's soccer
community.
And why not? Why shouldn't they? This
was a sporting story worthy of print. Everyone loves to wave the
flag and everyone loves the under-dog story with a happy ending but
there was so much more to this incredible piece of Canadiana. The
Fates (or at least Chuck Blazer and his 25 cent piece), pure, random,
chance for once smiled at a Canadian squad and what that squad would
do with that blessing afterwords. “The Keeper” and The Big Red
Line which fiercely defended in front of him. A Golden Goal from the
most unlikely of sources against the most indomitable of opponents
and of course that unheard of Corazzin chap game in and game out
torturing the unsuspecting opposition.
This was a team which went undefeated
in the tournament. Which had to defeat higher ranked opponents along
their way to collecting winners medals and did it all in fine style.
They'd sweep the individual awards and have three players named to
the tournament's Best 11.
In the history of the Gold Cup few
players have ever stood out as having owned a tournament in the way
Canada's Craig Forrest owned 2000. Not before, and not since. The
Keeper kept an over-matched Canada on it's feet long enough to punch
above it's weight and together earned the grand prize in the end.
Not too bad for a squad which wasn't
suppose to advance beyond the group stage. The difference between
also-ran to Holger's Heroes measured by The Fates on the axis of a
coin.
It's a funny old game sometimes. A
wonderful, inspiring, funny old game.
The good people over at rednationonline
have done their usual excellent work in commemorating this 10th
anniversary of Canada's 2-nil victory over Colombia in the Gold Cup
final. A must see for all Canada supporters and sports fans alike,
guaranteed not to disappointed.