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Disappointment swept the heart of Toronto’s Little Italy today as the Italian soccer team lost its bid to qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and face Canada in the country’s opening match.
Bosnia-Herzegovina won the playoff game that determined who joins Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B at the tournament, and plays against Canada in Toronto on June 12.
At Cafe Diplomatico on College Street, dozens of fans decked out in blue and white — the colours of Italy’s national team — were sipping drinks and eating with their eyes glued on the TV screens in the restaurant.
The crowd erupted in cheers when Italy scored the first goal of the match played at a stadium in Zenica, Bosnia.
But the celebration soured after Italy lost the match in a penalty shootout after the game was tied 1-1.
Fans had said an Italy win today would have taken on a special meaning, but those hopes were dashed.
At Cafe Diplomatico on College Street, dozens of fans decked out in blue and white — the colours of Italy’s national team — were sipping drinks and eating with their eyes glued on the TV screens in the restaurant. (CBC)’It was such a disappointment,’ fan says
Alessandro Aureli, a patron at the cafe, said it was painful to watch Italy lose the game. He said he will root for Canada and for Turkey because his best friend is Turkish.
“I wish I never woke up this morning. It was a such a disappointment,” he said.
“I was so excited thinking about watching Italy playing here in Canada, and seeing it all disappearing in front of my eyes like that … I’m going to go home and cry for the rest of the day.”
Max Dantas, a fan at BMO Field on Tuesday, said it’s a good thing that Bosnia won because it means Toronto’s focus will be on Canada when it plays its first World Cup game on June 12.
If Canada would have played Italy, many Italian-Canadians in Toronto might have cheered for Italy and not Canada, he added.
“It’s good. I’m glad they’re not having to play Italy,” he said. “The atmosphere will be a lot better for Canada.”
Toronto will host six World Cup matches starting in June.