Photo Friday: FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014

Growing up, I played on a softball team and a soccer team. Throughout middle school, I loved playing basketball, football and sometimes volleyball in gym class. In high school, I joined the flag football team. Even though I am not the most athletically fit person, I enjoy sports just as much as the next person.

For many years, I have followed the Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team (CanWNT) everywhere. Knowing almost every player’s name and position, I have watched them take on their biggest rivals. The Canadian women have represented their country extremely well over the years, winning an Olympic bronze medal in the London 2012 games.

I not only watch every game, but I also follow the team on Instagram and Twitter, @CanadaSoccerEN.

This story begins with a Twitter contest Canada Soccer held. A few weeks ago, I got a text from my dad telling me to retweet one of Canada Soccer’s tweets for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see the opening ceremony and game for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014. Knowing some of the Canadian Women’s U-20 players as a result of my love for CanWNT, I jumped on this opportunity to watch them. The bad news: I didn’t win. The best news ever: My dad did! Since I’m obsessed, my dad took me to the game with him. Thanks pops!

The game and opening ceremony took place last Tuesday, August 5 at BMO Field in downtown Toronto. My dad and I received tickets to the opening ceremony, the first match between Finland (FIN) vs. The People’s Republic of Korea (PRK) and the Canada (CAN) vs. Ghana (GHA) match.

At 7:30pm, the opening ceremony started. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, FIFA World Cup representatives, a marching band and a youth choir all took to their positions. During the youth choir’s performance, a giant “Welcome to Canada” flag passed over one half of the stadium, followed by the national anthems of Canada and Ghana.

At exactly 8:00pm, the game between Team Canada and Team Ghana began. Ghana scored in the first half, but Canada brought all their power out for the second. Having all of their attempts blocked by either the crossbar or goal keeper, the final score was one-nothing. Team Canada, obviously disappointed, came out and walked with their heads held high around the stadium. All fans stood, waved and cheered for our incredibly talented CanU20 team. Below are some photos of the fans, the field, the match and post-match moments.

BMO Field before the FIN VS. PRK match.

Official FIFA floor mat for the opening ceremony.

One of the smallest but loudest fans in the stands watching the opening ceremony.

Chanting and dancing Team Ghana fans.

Team Canada fans start the game with cheers!

Super-Ghana fan with his “Badass'” hat.

Team Ghana’s defence protect the goal after a Team Canada corner kick.

Captain Kinley McNicoll taking the first of many corner kicks for Team Canada.

Kadeisha Buchanan (one of my favourite players) causing a collision on the field.

End of the game celebrations for both teams!

Team Canada taking a walk around the stadium to wave and thank all the supporting fans.

Sura Yekka walking around with a smile on her face waving to all the fans, thankful for support.

Kailen Sheridan, goal keeper, takes a final walk around the field following the early-August game.

Janine Beckie, Kadeisha Buchanan, Jessie Fleming, and Kinley McNicoll walking back to the dressing room after the game vs Team Ghana.

The CanU20 team has officially made it to the Quarter Finals. For more information on matches and times, click here.