Canada's Men's National Soccer Team at BC Place Stadium in 1986 and 2016.

Canada played Paraguay on January 29, 1986 in a friendly in preparation for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The score was 0-0 with an attendance of 18,003. Canada had already qualified for the 1986 Mexico World Cup with a thrilling win against Honduras on September 14, 1985 in St. John's Newfoundland so this game was one of many friendlies that Canada played in 1986. They played England on May 24, 1986 at Swangard Stadium where they lost 1-0 and on May 29 they played Wales where they lost 3-0. Unfortunately in these friendlies Canada didn't manage a goal.

Canada v Paraguay Pre-game at BC Place Stadium January 29, 1986

Canada v Paraguay Kick-off

Big Screen and some empty seats

Canada v Paraguay live action

30 years later, 54,798 fans watched as Canada played Mexico in an important qualification match for the 2018 Russia World Cup on March 25, 2016. The atmosphere was amazing and completely different from 1986 when the stadium seemed empty. There was huge support for both teams as was witnessed when the Mexican National Anthem was played. Everything seemed to happen in this match from great plays, great goals and unfortunately the pitch invaders. There must have been at least 5 in the latter part of the match. The last pitch invader was happily running down the field when he was completely broadsided by the Chiropractor of the Canada. This tackle would have made any of the Rugby players who participated in the Rugby Sevens a couple of weeks ago proud indeed.

Canada v Mexico March 25, 2016

Canada v Mexico pre-game

 

Canada v Mexico first half action

Mexico showed their class with great passing, speed on the ball and finishing. I haven't seen many teams play with the quickness Mexico showed. Canada had 6 or 7  opportunities to score but couldn't get the much need goal. Mexico could have scored more goals if it wasn't for Canada's keeper Milan Borjan who made some impressive saves. In previous matches against Mexico, Canada rarely had quality scoring chances so it was nice to see Canada with at least some chances. It will help when they play in their other qualifying matches against El Salvador and Honduras. It was great to see such players as Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez show off his incredible talent. Let's hope there will be more qualification matches at BC Place Stadium in the future.