Hundreds of thousands of Canadians watched Canada’s males’s nationwide crew storm to the Copa America semi-finals with a dramatic win in penalties over heavily-favoured Venezuela. However just one Canadian sports activities legend watched the crew up shut earlier than sharing his personal phrases of knowledge afterwards — Pittsburgh Penguins star and Olympic gold medallist Sidney Crosby.
“It was a rollercoaster,” Crosby informed The Athletic of the sport, shaking his head and smiling. “I really feel like there’s been much more eyeballs, much more consideration on this crew.”
Crosby, sporting Canada’s purple residence package, watched one of many extra thrilling video games of Copa America. Canada took an early lead because of Jacob Shaffelburg, who not solely comes from the identical province as Crosby, Nova Scotia, however is simply the second males’s nationwide crew participant from the province. Canada’s very personal ‘Maritime Messi’.
Venezuela tied the sport because of captain Salomon Rondon’s long-range lob within the sixty fourth minute however Canada appeared composed by penalties and midfielder Ismael Kone scored the successful spot-kick.
And never lengthy after Canada entered their locker room to proceed celebrating, Crosby joined them.
“Crosby stated it was an ‘Unbelievable Canadian second,’” defender Alistair Johnston stated. “He stated ‘The penalties have been insane’ and one thing that he couldn’t even think about doing.”
Look, it’s Nova Scotia’s second-best attacking participant right this moment! #CanMNT https://t.co/T84rtlIUCT
— Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) July 6, 2024
Crosby then singled out what midfielder Jonathan Osorio referred to as the “guts of the group” to step up and rating in penalties. “They appear to be an actual tight-knit group,” Crosby stated.
Crosby’s go to to Canada’s dressing room quickly started trickling out on social media but it surely wasn’t deliberate. Crosby stated that each summer time he and a bunch of teammates from his days enjoying junior hockey for Rimouski Oceanic within the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League set up a visit collectively. This yr, as soon as Canada certified for the quarterfinal, they made the choice to journey south to Arlington.
It was solely within the hours main as much as the sport {that a} mutual pal of one of many Canadian gamers prolonged an invitation to Crosby to come back into the dressing room.
As he made his means across the room, Canadian gamers beamed. Osorio stated Crosby nabbed Shaffelburg’s jersey postgame.
“I acquired to see a Nova Scotia legend,” Shaffelburg stated. “I’ve at all times appeared as much as (Crosby). To fulfill him was unbelievable.”
Crosby then inspired the crew for the longer term and reminded them how proud they’ve made Canadians.
“His phrases imply rather a lot,” goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau stated. “Nevertheless it’s an instance of how we’re slowly altering issues for our nation.”
Crosby then posed for a photograph with the complete crew. He’s no stranger to successful over the hearts of a whole nation, having scored arguably a very powerful objective in Canadian sports activities historical past to win the 2010 Olympic gold medal over america.
The Golden Purpose. 🥇
Sidney Crosby’s OVERTIME winner introduced @TeamCanada the GOLD in 2010. pic.twitter.com/uFcU3mxnDV
— NBC Sports activities Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) Could 3, 2020
And Crosby understands what so many others are coming to study as nicely: This Canadian crew is turning into a really particular one.
“The way in which they reacted after (Venezuela’s tying objective) — it’s a troublesome objective to surrender, however they stored coming,” Crosby stated when requested what makes this crew particular.
Canada isn’t any stranger to having heroes go to the crew: Famed astronaut Chris Hadfield joined them for a pre-game speech earlier than their 2022 World Cup opener.
However Crosby’s star standing is as radiant as they arrive in Canada. For generations, Canada’s nationwide crew was checked out as an afterthought. Qualifying for the World Cup started to alter the notion of the crew at residence. But what they’ve lacked as of late are outcomes towards high groups to earn extra followers.
That’s altering, and Crosby isn’t simply witness to it. Towards Venezuela, he was a part of it. “With the video games that they’ve put collectively, they’re solely going to get increasingly (consideration). It’s enjoyable to see. They deserve it. It looks as if they’re a extremely nice group of men,” Crosby stated.
This Canadian crew is tasked not simply with successful matches as they’ve finished beneath new head coach Jesse Marsch; additionally they perceive it’s their accountability to proceed to develop a recreation that may take pleasure in heavy participation amongst youngsters however nonetheless falls behind hockey by way of nationwide recognition.
“What a legend to have on our aspect,” Marsch stated of Crosby. “That is vital for us in 2026 (on the World Cup with Canada internet hosting alongside the U.S. and Mecico). We wish to really feel the facility of the complete nation.”
Now, the crew is taking a look at Crosby’s endorsement as one other instance of their very own star in Canada rising brighter.
“You possibly can inform how a lot it means to the crew that we are taking that subsequent step in Canadian popular culture,” Johnston stated. “You could possibly see that we’re reaching an even bigger crowd than simply the soccer mad crowd. We’re inspiring lots of people.”
Canada’s subsequent probability to encourage will undoubtedly be their most troublesome take a look at but: A semifinal towards world champions Argentina.
As troublesome a take a look at because it may be, Canadian gamers all agree they consider extra individuals than ever will likely be watching their crew. And that features Crosby.
(High picture: Crosby celebrates with the crew. Credit score: Canada Soccer)