In Vancouver, young players from the Whitecaps are preparing for the World Cup – their team lost a test match 0-2. Racquel Partovi, one of the youth players, told Tagesschau: “I grew up watching the World Cup on TV, it was always a big deal. Now that we have the chance to experience the games live, it’s insane.” Today, Canada plays its first World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
Fans in Vancouver cannot afford to attend matches – the city is considered expensive. Just before the tournament started, there was movement in the ticket market, as none of the 13 games in Toronto and Vancouver have sold out yet. Stadium spokesperson Wayne Ziants sharply criticized FIFA: “Tickets are so expensive that many people are simply excluded. It almost seems as if FIFA wants to annoy people.”
At BC Place in Vancouver, final preparations are underway for the first match on Saturday: Australia faces Turkey. Jerseys are already hanging in the locker rooms, and golden champagne coolers are ready. The specially laid turf is being mowed and watered according to strict FIFA guidelines.
Source: Tagesschau
