Alberto Muoli was hoping for Canada to draw even in the second half of their World Cup soccer game against Belgium Wednesday afternoon.
Muoli, along with hundreds of others, piled into the Ship and Anchor Pub on 17 Avenue SW in Calgary to watch Team Canada’s debut at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
LWC caught up with Muoli as the first half drew to a close and Canada surrender a goal to the Belgian squad. He was hopeful though, Canada would score – especially given the pressure they exerted on the Belgian squad in the first half.
“Everybody was expecting to see the first goal, kind of scoring for the first time ever in a World Cup game, happen,” he said.
“The second half is coming up. We hope that it’s going to happen.”
Muoli, originally from Chile, said he was happy to be a part of cheering Canada on. Chile didn’t qualify for this year’s World Cup, so Canada’s his second team.
“I’m so happy to be here. Happy to be enjoying the whole World Cup atmosphere,” he said.
Muoli predicted a final score of 2-1 Canada. (The final score was 1-0 Belgium).
Peter Dominic was also hopeful Canada could pull out the win over the second-ranked team from Belgium.
“I’m very hopeful. I’m very excited,” he said.
“There’s a big crowd here, it’s the first time going to the World Cup so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
Games beyond Belgium
Regardless of the outcome Wednesday, Canada will still have two more games in the group stage.
On Sunday, Nov. 27, Canada will face Croatia at 9 a.m.
The Calgary Minor Soccer Association and the Calgary Hitmen are inviting Calgarians to join them in a family fun viewing party. You can do so at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre on the Tsuut’ina Nation.
The doors open at 8 a.m. Tickets for that are $12. There will be a fun zone, players from Cavalry FC, giveaways and a 50/50 draw to ramp up the excitement.
Canada will also have a game against Morocco on Dec. 1 at 8 a.m.
Record dependent, Canada may move on after that.
- With files from Aryn Toombs
