Fans gathering at renamed downtown Ajax square to cheer on home town hero at World Cup

With the game well in hand and hometown star Derek Cornelius sitting on a yellow card, Canadian national soccer team gaffer Jesse Marsch made the prudent decision to take his starting centre back out of the game to ensure he would be available for Wednesday’s battle for first place in the group against Switzerland.

The crowd that had gathered on Thursday at the re-named Derek Cornelius Square to watch Canada dismantle Quatar 6-0 for an historic first-ever win at the World Cup were okay with that. They were watching history after all and their local lad done good had played a major role to get Canada to the brink of qualifying for the knockout round for the first time.

The game, which featured a hattrick for Canada’s ‘Ice Man’ – Jonathan David – was marred by a gruesome injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, whose leg was snapped in an ill-advised tackle by Qatar’s Assim Madibo that ended Kone’s tournament.

Hundreds of fans gathered at the downtown Ajax square – renamed after Ajax born-and-raised Cornelius for the duration of the tournament – for a watch party to see their heroes and a devastating injury aside the players did not disappoint with a clinical victory over a side that was reduced to nine men by the end.

On Wednesday they get to do it all again for Canada’s final group stage match agaibnst Switzerland, with first place on the line and a home date in Vanacouver for the round-of-32 match.

Ajax Council voted to temporarily rename Pat Bayly Square to honour their own during the tournament, with a ceremony held prior to last Thursday’s game against the two-time Asian Cup champions.

The 5:30 p.m. ceremony at 55 Bayly Street featured formal remarks, the unveiling of a new chalk mural renaming the square, and a video message from Cornelius. His sister, Alyssa Stewart, accepted on the family’s behalf before the big-screen watch party.

Derek Cornelius

“Derek Cornelius’ journey from Ajax to the international stage is an incredible source of pride for our community,” said Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier. “Renaming this space in his honour celebrates not only his achievements, but also the dedication, perseverance and hometown spirit he represents. We’re excited to bring residents and visitors together at Derek Cornelius Square to cheer on Team Canada and celebrate this historic moment.”

Matchday screenings Thursday and on June 24 in Canada’s final group stage game against Switzerland are free, open to all and an opportunity to take in the action alongside fellow fans.

Medallion built the square as a place for the community to gather — and last week it became exactly that, as the town came together to cheer one of its own on the world’s stage, said Medallion Regional Property Manager Yvonne Yorke.

“When Medallion built Pat Bayly Square, we hoped it would become a hub for our residents and the residents of Ajax to gather,” she said. “Seeing the community come together to cheer on Derek is exactly what we hoped for. We’re proud to present free events so families can celebrate close to home.”

Cornelius, who has seen his career take him around the world from the Vancouver Whitecaps to French giants Marseille and Scottish power Glasgow Rangers, debuted a video message for hometown fans at the Ajax Fan Zone party for the Canada’s opening tournament match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Ajax Fan Zone event included the mural unveiling, the presentation to the Cornelius family, food vendors and Canada on the big screen.

Fans are invited to do another Ajax Fan Zone experience at Derek Cornelius Square on Wednesday, June 24 at 3 p.m.