Welcome to the parallel world of Yellowknife, where Canada won a World Cup medal.
At the women’s World Cup in Vancouver, England beat Canada’s women 2-1 at the quarter-final stage. But at Yellowknife’s Mini World Cup, team Canada fought through to the bronze play-off and victory over Switzerland.
“They finished first in the round-robin and were unlucky in the semi-final [a defeat by Mexico], but they came through for something in the end. Not bad,” said tournament organizer Paul Gillard.
The Mini World Cup, held at École St Joseph School on the weekend, welcomed more than 250 participants, divided into teams representing some of the world’s great soccer nations.
Ecuador and England were other champions among the younger age groups, while Germany defeated Brazil 1-0 in a close contest to claim gold in the open category.
“The kids, they like the fact that ‘I’m playing for Mexico!'” Gillard told Moose FM. “They really, really get into it, especially the young kids. Different flags come out. It’s just a different way to have fun with it.”
