Canada captain says World Cup team already having an impact back home
DOHA, Qatar — Finally at the World Cup, captain Atiba Hutchinson is getting to reap the rewards of after 19 years service in a Canadian shirt. And so is Canada.
“I’ve already seen it sparking a lot of interest in younger players — seven-, eight-year-olds, some in my family, teammates, children,” the veteran midfielder said of Canada’s return to the men’s soccer showcase after a 36-year absence. “The interest that it’s brought to our country is really special to see.
“I’ve been with the national team for a very long time and I’ve never see it get to this level. So it’s great to see and I think it’s going to continue to get bigger and bigger from here on out.”
Hutchinson, who was 39 years 285 days old at the official start of the tournament, is the oldest outfield player at the World Cup. He is also the only Canadian player who was alive when Canada last made the World Cup in 1986.