By Lincoln DePradine

Pierre Poilievre, head of the federal Conservative Party and Canada’s parliamentary opposition leader, has promised to champion the further development of soccer in the country, saying Canada can become “world leaders’’ in the sport.

Poilievre, speaking at a news conference last Saturday in Etobicoke, joined other Canadians in expressing pride at the men’s national team’s participation in the FIFA World Cup of football in Qatar.

His wife Anaida Galindo, who was born in Venezuela, is also a football fan and especially admires Portugal’s superstar captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

“My wife is a fierce soccer fan. She wanted to name our son Ronaldo but we called him Cruz instead,’’ said Poilievre, adding that he hopes Canada’s presence in Qatar is “the first of many, many successful trips to World Cups around the globe’’.

Canada is one of 32 countries that qualified to participate in the Qatar World Cup. It’s Canada’s first time in the competition since 1986.

Alphonso Davies created history by scoring Canada’s first-ever goal at a World Cup in a 4-1 lost to Croatia.

Canada also was defeated 1-0 by Belgium and will play their final game on December 1 against Morocco. The Canadians already have been eliminated from participation in the second round of competition of 16 teams, which include defending champions France and five-time World Cup winners Brazil.

However, Canada is leaving with a US$10.5 million payout for its tournament participation. The total World Cup prize money for all teams is US$440 million.

The eventual winner will collect US$42 million, with the first runner-up will take home US$30 million.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who visited the Canadian squad in the buildup to the World Cup, thanked them for “inspiring us and bringing Canadians together around soccer’’.

The World Cup appearance “is a chance for us to change the world’s perception of Canada’s soccer-playing ability’’, Poilievre said Saturday. “We’re very proud to have this breakthrough.’’

Poilievre promised to raise his voice to ensure a stronger Canadian focus on football, from club soccer for kids to the World Cup level.

“I will champion that,’’ he pledged. “We have such a diverse population that contributes to our soccer culture that we have a chance to be world leaders.’’

LJI Reporter