VIDEO: Canada’s World Cup win an inspiration to young players in Brampton, PM Carney says

Prime Minister Mark Carney told soccer stars from Brampton that Canada’s record-breaking World Cup game on Thursday has set an example for young players in the city.

“You didn’t just break CONCACAF records…but you showed a level of character that some people never achieve in their life,” Carney said in an emotional post-game speech to the team following their 6-0 win over Qatar.

The win was the first-ever World Cup win for Canada’s men’s team, and also tied a 1994 record for most shots on target before halftime. And with 97 touches in the attacking box against Qatar, Canada set a new World Cup record with 26 more than any other team on record.

“I’ll just say, I couldn’t be prouder as a Canadian and on behalf of all Canadians, I just want to thank you for everything you put in to get here,” Carney said after the win. “You represent the nation, represent your family and friends, and teach a lesson.”

Brampton’s Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute with his second goal of the tournament before Jonathan David struck twice before the half. Canada would go on to put on a clinic, cranking the score up to 6-0.

It wasn’t all fun for the Canadians, as Ismaël Koné suffered an injury to his left leg and was stretchered off the field. But the team rallied behind Koné’s injury, with Nathan Saliba stepping in and scoring on a free kick into the top corner in the 64th minute.

Saliba celebrated by waving Koné’s jersey to the crowd, a moment Carney said shows “character in a real team.”

With six players on the team from Brampton, the prime minister finished his address by calling out the city’s contributions to the team while recounting his recent visit to the Flower City.

“Some of you know it well, right?,” Carney said of Brampton with a laugh. “Our first two goals were scored by Cyle (Larin) out of Brampton, right? (Jonathan) Osorio out of Brampton. I can go on.”

“We went to Brampton because of your example, and because we’re building a new sports complex, and to be honest, we’re not building a new sports complex for this level. It’s Brampton, so a couple of people rise to this level.

“But we’re building it for thousands and thousands of kids – girls, boys – who play football to aspire to be like you. And the one thing I hope they take is a lesson you showed today in the response. I couldn’t be prouder,” he said.

Carney was in Brampton in April to announce a $64 million contribution to assist with construction of the Embleton Community Centre. The 175,000 square foot space “will be a space where families gather, where kids learn to swim, where athletes train, and where this great community grows,” the prime minister said during his Brampton visit.

Canada will play its next World Cup game against Switzerland in Vancouver on Wednesday.