SSR Vol5 FIFA- WC-SA

Canada Media Report B y Vijay Setlur By Vijay Setlur

The FIFA World Cup was on the African continent for the first time and I was there to experience my first World Cup as a journalist. It was the one that broke so many frontiers beyond just soccer and sports.

Some time have passed since the end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and people still ask me about my experience in South Africa.

Before I could begin, they would want to know if I hated the vuvuzelas and their incessant noise. Then I tell them that I brought back 15 vuvuzelas to Canada as souvenirs for family and friends and rest my case. I liked the vuvuzelas for one simple reason. Atmosphere. They created a unique ambience symbolic of Africa and no other place on Earth can mimic it. I’ve heard enough background noise, watching previous Canada-Mexico matches on TV from Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, to know that atmosphere is what brings a game to life. As a journalist, my experience was definitely different from that of a fan. Still, people probably expect me to say that it was an experience of a lifetime and glow while doing it. After all it's the biggest sporting event on the planet, that many would love to attend. But in reality, I actually tell them something else.

I was deeply disappointed that Canada did not qualify to participate in this World Cup. The fact was that media from the participating countries were virtually guaranteed a seat, leaving the rest of us to hope and pray our names would be announced by a FIFA Media Officer, just minutes before games was nerve wrecking but that’s a mute point. What’s worse is the feeling, to me, that Canada didn't even exist as a country. Extreme words I know, but it was my reality. First let’s look at CONCACAF’s three representatives – Mexico, Honduras and the U.S. None of them went beyond the round of 16. Honduras didn’t even get out of the group stage, although to be fair they were ravaged by injuries that derailed their campaign. Still, I didn’t see anything from them that prove they’re significantly better than Canada.

The U.S. showed resiliency but their technical play lacked at times. Mexico has the talent and skill, but can be intimidated by a fast physical team like they were against Argentina. Chile showed that a team can beat Honduras at its own speed and attacking game, while making them look ordinary. Canada now has the athleticism, speed, size and soon improved technical ability, to hold its own against any of those nations. If things can fall into place – and that’s a big IF – Canada can be at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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