TORONTO — Cyle Larin’s goal not only saved the World Cup opener for Canada on Friday, it gave a bunch of Canadian celebrities a reason to stomp and shout.
“Deadpool” star and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, NHL standout Connor McDavid and actor Mike Myers were among the Canadian stars spotted among the announced 43,002 fans at BMO Field for the first men’s World Cup match on Canadian soil.
Myers sported a Canada jersey and a red bucket hat. Yeah, baby.
“Mike Myers was here? Oh sweet,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said. “I saw (music producer) Boi-1da on the TV at one point. I know that there’s a lot of different people that are enjoying the World Cup in Canada, but my job, I’m focused, so lasered in on just making sure that we can give the country a team to be proud of.”
Larin’s late equalizer gave Canada a 1-1 draw with Bosnia, salvaging a day of national pride and joy as Canada earned a point in the World Cup for the first time. Reynolds clapped and shouted along with the rest of the crowd when Larin scored. The stadium was mostly full, with a few open spots in the lower bowl and way up in new, temporary seating.
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette also was on hand and closed an upbeat opening ceremony with a compelling rendition of “O Canada,” the national anthem.
Canada hosted the Women’s World Cup in 2015, along with the Winter Olympics - twice - and the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal. But this is the first time the men’s World Cup has come to Canada, with 13 matches between Toronto and Vancouver.
Canadian players couldn’t see the celebrities but were happy with the atmosphere.
“You know, it wasn’t just ‘We’re showing up there for a picnic and a good afternoon,’” defender Alistair Johnston said. “They were fully invested.”
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