FIFA World Cup: Canada’s Promise David cuts Switzerland lead to 2

It didn’t go exactly the way the fans inside B.C. Place would have hoped, but Canada went toe-to-toe with a team that came into the tournament in the top 20 of FIFA’s world rankings and nearly got the result they needed Wednesday.

After falling into a 2-0 deficit in the second half, Canada battled back, cutting the deficit in half through a goal from Promise David in the 76th minute.

Despite a flurry of chances in the closing minutes, Canada was unable to tie the game, which finished 2-1.

The result means Switzerland will take the top spot in Group B and Canada will finish as the runner-up, advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.

Follow along here for live updates throughout the game and after the final whistle.

1:56 p.m. PT: Canada falls short

The Canadians came into today’s match knowing a win or a draw would give them first place in Group B and a path to up to two knockout games in Vancouver.

Unfortunately for the sold-out B.C. Place crowd, Canada was unable to achieve either result. Goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi gave Switzerland a 2-0 lead.

Canada cut the score to 2-1 with a goal from second-half substitute Promise David, but despite a flurry of chances, the home team was unable to find an equalizer.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

1:45 p.m. PT: Canada House back to life with David goal

The watch party at Canada House in Toronto erupted into cheers as Promise David scored a goal to cut the lead.

Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com/CTVNewsToronto.ca

1:34 p.m. PT: Canada gets on the board

Just moments after stepping onto the pitch, substitute Promise David has scored for Canada.

Switzerland leads 2-1. Canada will need at least another goal to have a chance to win the group.

1:30 p.m. PT: 2nd-half hydration break

The whistle has blown for the second-half hydration break.

Canada looked better after the first-half hydration break. The team will need a similar boost this time if it’s going to get back into this game.

1:18 p.m. P.T.: Swiss supporters in Toronto celebrate lead

Amongst a dejected pro-Canada crowd at the Toronto Fan Fest is a small group of Swiss supporters jumping for joy and waving their flag as their team takes a 2-0 lead.

1:15 p.m. PT: Switzerland doubles the lead

A little more than 10 minutes after the first goal, it’s now 2-0 to Switzerland. Embolo laid off a pass to Johan Manzambi, whose low shot managed to squeeze under Crepeau and into the net.

Canada looks headed for second place in the group.

1:06 p.m. PT: Switzerland scores

It took less than a minute for Switzerland to take the lead.

Rubén Vargas was left unmarked in the Canadian penalty area and slammed his shot past Maxime Crepeau to put the Swiss in control of Group B.

If the game ends with this score, Switzerland will win the group with seven points and play its Round of 32 match in Vancouver on July 2.

As long as Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn’t score a boatload more goals against Qatar, Canada would finish second and travel to Los Angeles for a Round of 32 match on June 28.

The countdown to the second-half kickoff is complete and the match is underway again. If it can keep Switzerland from scoring, Canada is 45 minutes or so from winning the group.

Switzerland had 70 per cent of the possession in the first half, but Canada outshot the Swiss five to four, with three shots on goal compared to Switzerland’s two.

Still, no Canadian chance has come as close to hitting the back of the net as Switzerland’s Breel Embolo’s did in the 11th minute, when Canada’s goalkeeper came up with a huge save.

It’s halftime at B.C. Place. Switzerland had the better chances, but Canada improved as the first half went on, putting more pressure on the Swiss defence as halftime approached.

Ali Ahmed had a good chance for Canada in the 41st minute, but he slightly mishit his low shot and Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made the save.

Down the I-5 in Seattle, Bosnia and Herzegovina leads Qatar 2-1 at halftime. If those results hold through the second halves of the two matches, Canada will win the group.

12:45 p.m. PT: Full house at FIFA Fan Festival

The amphitheatre at the PNE is packed with Team Canada supporters taking in the match.

CTV News Vancouver’s Penny Daflos is at Hastings Park to catch the reactions of the crowd.

Fifteen-year-old Matthew Ring from Vancouver is in the front row at the city’s FIFA Fan Festival for the second Canada match in a row. He says he got up at 6:30 a.m. and queued for hours to get his prime position because he loves Canada so much.

Kaija Jussinoja, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

With files from The Canadian Press

12:34 p.m. PT: The biggest crowd reactions so far

From my spot at pitchside, the crowd inside B.C. Place has come out of the gate red hot - louder than in the early moments versus Qatar last week. It feels like there is increased intensity and anxiety with a knockout-stage berth at the top of Group B so close.

The biggest reaction in the building so far, happened after Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau had an early outstanding stop and for a near miss by Cyle Larin before it was ruled offside.

The boo birds are certainly out in Vancouver for any Swiss touch of the ball.

Andrew Johnson, CTV National News

12:32 p.m. PT: Bosnia leads Qatar

The other match in Group B is happening simultaneously in Seattle, where Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a 2-0 lead over Qatar.

If both matches ended with their current scorelines, Canada would win the group with five points, Switzerland would be second, also with five, and Bosnia would place third with four points.

12:30 p.m. PT: Carney in attendance

Prime Minister Mark Carney is in the stands at B.C. Place again.

B.C. Premier David Eby was also in the crowd as it marched to the stadium.

12:20 p.m. PT: Hundreds pack downtown Halifax bar

The match is underway and roughly 200 people have packed this downtown Halifax bar, inside and out, watching Canada battle Switzerland.

This location has been a FIFA hub since the tournament began. Canada soccer fans have gathered here for all matches, loudly supporting their team from the other side of the country.

The general manager told CTV News that based on reservations and bookings, they will be sold out.

As the workday ends, this place continues to fill up with excited soccer fans.

Paul Hollingsworth, CTV National News

12:10 p.m. PT: Ontario fans celebrate ‘the Brampton Six’

The pride of Brampton, Ont., is well represented on the Canadian men’s World Cup team.

At Brampton Garden Square, fans in attendance are well aware that their city — northwest of Toronto — is well represented on the Canadian Men’s World Cup team.

Today they’re known as “the Brampton six.” Midfielders Jonathan Osorio, Tajon Buchanan, Liam Millar and Jayden Nelson, as well as forwards Cyle Larin and Promise David, are all from the large suburb. These six players make Brampton the No. 1 producer of men’s national soccer team players, outstripping larger urban centres like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Retired Brampton high school gym teacher Ed McMahon says each of the players benefited from a push towards soccer at multiple schools in Brampton. “They were pulled away from the traditional high school football programs and were steered towards soccer,” says McMahon.

The players also came up through the Brampton Soccer Cup program from a young age.

Brampton Soccer Club Executive Director Paula Phillips says each of the players had amazing families who supported them alongside their minor league soccer clubs. “As they say, it takes a village,” says Philips.

Adrian Ghobrial, CTV National News senior correspondent

The game has paused for its first-half hydration break in the 23rd minute. Canada and Switzerland are scoreless at B.C. Place.

12:18 p.m. PT: Packed Toronto Fan Fest watching match

It’s a sea of Canadian jerseys at the FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto as the match is now underway. All eyes are on the big screen showing the Group B contest.

12:15 p.m. PT: Scoreless after 15 minutes

The first 15 minutes have been eventful, but scoreless. Switzerland has dominated possession, but both sides have had some good stretches.

Canada’s goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made a great save against Swiss forward Breel Embolo in the 11th minute, while Cyle Larin was called offside after a one-on-one with the Swiss’ keeper in the 13th.

Canada had an early opportunity with a free kick in the fourth minute, but the Swiss defence held firm.

Switzerland also put Canada’s defence under pressure, winning a corner in the early going and getting the ball in some dangerous areas, but neither side could make a breakthrough.

12:08 p.m. PT: 8th minute tribute to Koné

Canada fans held up hundreds of signs displaying Ismaël Koné’s number eight during the eighth minute of play.

Koné suffered a broken leg in the Canadian’s 6-0 win over Qatar last week.

12:05 p.m. PT: Ramon Abatti refereeing

Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti has the whistle for Canada’s Group B finale against Switzerland at BC Place.

Abatti was the referee for the 2024 Olympic men’s gold-medal game and worked the Club World Cup last year.

He is joined by fellow Brazilians Danilo Manis and Rafael Alves on the lines, with Peru’s Kevin Ortega serving as fourth official and Juan Soto of Venezuela handling VAR duties.

We’re underway from B.C. Place. Watch live on TSN (subscription required).

A win or a draw will see Canada advance to the Round of 32 as group winners and play in Vancouver again on July 2.

12 p.m. PT: Bars packed on Granville Street

The match is underway and bars along Granville Street are full of fans, with more lined up outside hoping to get in.

CTV News Vancouver’s Ben Miljure is taking in the excitement at the pedestrian zone throughout the day.

11:55 a.m. PT: National anthems

The teams have taken the pitch and the national anthems are getting under way, first with Switzerland’s “Schweizerpsalm” (“Swiss Psalm” in English), which has lyrics in each of the country’s four official languages (German, French, Italian and Romansch).

The Swiss anthem will be followed by “O Canada.”

Against Qatar last week, the Canadian anthem boomed through B.C. Place as the sea of red-clad fans sang along.

11:44 a.m. PT: Canada House in Toronto ready for match

Fans have started flooding into Canada Soccer House at the Harbourfront Centre to get a good spot to watch Canada take on Switzerland.

The fans are all decked out in their red and white gear and say they are cautiously optimistic about the match! With screens set up all over, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Jessica Smith, CTV News Toronto

11:40 a.m. PT: Starting lineups

Kickoff is rapidly approaching. Here are the starting lineups for each team.

11:25 a.m. PT: Koné on the field in a wheelchair

Injured Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné will be with the team today as they take on Switzerland.

A huge cheer went up from the crowd inside B.C. Place as he was pushed out onto the pitch in a wheelchair.

11:12 a.m. PT: Team Canada hits the field

Canada has hit the field for warmup and lit up the card as they walked out. Then came injured Ismael Kone, in a wheelchair, saluting the fans as they stood for him. Powerful moment.

11 a.m. PT: Alessia Cara at Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival

Alessia Cara is about to take to the stage at the FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto as the crowd continues to build ahead of the Canada vs. Switzerland match.

Fresh off their Calder Cup win, the Toronto Marlies are also scheduled to pay a visit to the party around 2:45 p.m. ET. Other performers include Soundclash Society, Dance Migration, SHOUT! the band and Snotty Nose Rez Kids.

Heather Wright, CTV National News

10:50 a.m. PT: A little over an hour to kickoff

Among those gathered before the march to the match began was CTV’s Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina.

10:45 a.m. PT: Players take in the atmosphere at BC Place

Alphonso Davies and his Canadian teammates have just left the pitch after a few minutes spent taking in the atmosphere at BC Place and having some fun at midfield. Several players pulled out their phones and enjoyed a few laughs. The team seems loose.

Injured Ismael Kone, who broke his leg in the match against Qatar, left the dressing room on crutches and was applauded by stadium staff.

The Swiss also briefly emerged to check out field level about 90 minutes ahead of kickoff.

Outside, fans tell us they’re nervous, excited, and well aware they may be about to witness one of the biggest sporting moments in Canadian history.

10:30 a.m. PT: Vancouver’s 4th match

This is the fourth match Vancouver has hosted so far, with three more to come.

B.C. Place has one more group stage game to host, between Belgium and New Zealand on Friday, before hosting a Round of 32 match on July 2 and a Round of 16 match on July 7.

CTV News Vancouver’s photo gallery has captured some of the scenes from the city’s hosting duties so far.

10:05 a.m. PT: Voyageurs on their way

The Canadian march to the match is underway, with thousands taking to the street waving flags and wearing red.

10 a.m. PT: ‘Fondue is better than poutine’

Swiss fans have gathered in Olympic Village for their march to the match, and CTV News Vancouver’s Kraig Krause is among the crowd.

He recorded video of fans dressed as cows and swinging large, red cowbells, as well as one fan carrying a sign reading “fondue is better than poutine.”

Today’s match will be played amidst unseasonably high temperatures in Vancouver and across the province, where fans gathering at outdoor viewing parties are advised to seek shade and stay hydrated.

Heat records fell across British Columbia on Tuesday, with many communities marking their warmest June 23 in decades.

That heat is expected to linger through Wednesday before cooler temperatures and rain move in across much of the region.

This week also marks the fifth anniversary of the deadly 2021 heat dome, which contributed to more than 600 deaths, according to a provincial coroner’s report, as temperatures soared above 40 C for several days.

Todd Coyne, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

9:30 a.m. PT: Fans getting ready to march

A sea of red and white, led by the Voyageurs, are just about to start marching to BC Place.

CTV News Vancouver’s Rob Buffam is in the crowd to capture the excitement before the match.

It’s an early start for the Voyageurs. Canada’s national team supporters group is assembling at Quebec and Switchmen streets southeast of False Creek this morning, with the march to the match scheduled to set off around 9:45 a.m., just over two hours before the noon kickoff at B.C. Place.

Swiss fans, meanwhile, are assembling just a few blocks away at Olympic Village Square. The nation’s consulate general is telling them to have their red shirts ready, flags packed and “cowbells polished.”

Vancouver police say five of their horses will be leading the Canadian fan march. Police say the horses — Larry, Kingston, Angus, Bud, and Nelson — are a mix of Clydesdale, Percheron draft, quarter horse cross, and thoroughbred cross horses. They’re telling fans to give the horses, which each weigh 1,600 to 1,800 pounds, plenty of space and not to pat them.

In the Ali household, it’s been all World Cup, all the time. The Surrey, B.C., couple is often glued to the TV during FIFA’s marquee tournament.

But as good as the matches are on TV, Mohammed Ali and his wife Afreen Kothiwala decided to buy tickets and take in the real thing. The pricey purchase was a treat to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

They found a pair on StubHub for Sunday’s match between New Zealand and Egypt at BC Place for $1,106, or $450 each before fees.

But as kickoff approached, the tickets were not transferred into the official FIFA ticket app as promised.

The couple shared their story—and its surprise happy ending—with CTV News Vancouver on Tuesday.

Martin MacMahon, CTV News Vancouver journalist

8:40 a.m. PT: Road closures reminder

Downtown Vancouver is expected to be packed with thousands of fans throughout the day, so anyone travelling through is urged to plan ahead.

As with other match days, a number of road closures are in effect around BC Place.

Here are some safety reminders and a map of traffic changes today:

8:30 a.m. PT: Alphonso Davies expected to play

Head coach Jesse Marsch says he expects to bring captain Alphonso Davies on at some point during the nation’s FIFA World Cup game against Switzerland in Vancouver.

Marsch says Davies will not start but he has been training with the team, is ready to play and would bring a big mental boost to Canada’s final game of the group stage.

The 25-year-old star left back injured his left hamstring in early May while playing for Bayern Munich in a Champions League semifinal and has not played since.

7:15 a.m. PT: Fans to honour Koné

During the national anthem at BC Place, fans will honour injured midfielder Ismaël Koné, who broke his leg during Canada’s match with Qatar.

The Voyageurs fan club says it has printed 3,000 No. 8 signs to hold up during O Canada.

They are asking for volunteers to pick up the signs at Fionn MacCool’s Pub to hand out to people marching to BC Place and in the stadium. There will also be a banner to sign at the pub before the march sets up at 9:30 a.m. and begins at 10 a.m.

Fans are also encouraged to make their own No. 8 signs.

7 a.m. PT: What’s at stake today

Team Canada controls its own destiny heading into today’s match. A win or a draw will see the Canadians top the group and advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time ever.

Canada is likely to advance even if it loses, with its four points in the standings and plus-six goal differential extremely likely to be enough for second place in Group B or one of the top eight third-place finishes across the tournament’s 12 groups.

Topping the group is preferable, however, not just because it likely means a weaker opponent in the Round of 32, but also because the winner of Group B will play its Round of 32 match in Vancouver on July 2.

Canada vs. Switzerland is not the only match kicking off at noon today. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar will also begin their final group stage match in Seattle at that time.

The World Cup’s final group stage matches are played simultaneously to minimize the chance that two squads will settle for a mutually agreeable result, which famously happened during a 1982 game between West Germany and Austria that has come to be known as the Disgrace of Gijon.