Mr. Speaker, it is our pleasure today to congratulate the Canadian National Soccer Team for its thrilling two-nil win over Colombia yesterday to capture the Gold Cup for the championship of North and Central America. This is Canada's biggest win since qualifying for the World Cup in 1986 and a sign of a great future for soccer in Canada.
Team Canada's combination of offensive creativity and solid defence allowed it to control the flow of the entire game. Keeper Craig Forrest, who was named MVP of the tournament, made a brilliant save on a penalty shot in the last five minutes that may have saved the game.
It is no secret why soccer is becoming the fastest growing sport among young Canadian men and women. With the win yesterday, Team Canada has inspired thousands of young soccer players along with their coaches and parents.
We salute our national soccer team who has not lost a game since new coach Holger Osieck took control last year and wish it continued success as it builds toward the next World Cup.