After Canada’s 6-0 World Cup win over Qatar on Thursday, goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau said he heard BC Place fans bellow “Shoot!” as he prepared to push the ball forward, but decided against joining the attack. He also spoke about the pain and support surrounding
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — In the final moments of Canada’s 6-0 World Cup victory over Qatar at BC Place, goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau got pulled toward the edge of the moment.
As he delivered the ball up the field, red-clad fans in the stadium began to roar “Shoot!”
Crépeau laughed as he described the tug-of-war in his head. “I swear I had the little devil here saying do it and the little angel said just pass the ball and go back,” he said Friday, after the day-before win. “I heard the crowd and I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m not doing it.’”
He still didn’t see a shot on goal from Qatar in Canada’s first-ever World Cup victory. The team had effectively wrapped up its position for the knockout round with one group match remaining, on Wednesday against Switzerland.
Coach Jesse Marsch, asked about Crépeau’s involvement, didn’t dress it up. “Max’s presence was really important yesterday. But let’s be honest, he hardly had anything to do,” Marsch said. “I don’t think in World Cup history, there’s been such a dominant performance. That’s the truth. I think our team will take a lot of confidence from that, and Max will as well.”.
Behind the rout, the match also carried a harsh edge. Qatar played with 10 men after a red card, then dropped to nine after a second red card, leaving the game chaotic for much of the evening.
Canada’s suffering came in the form of a devastating injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné. During a tackle from behind by Assim Madibo, Koné broke the tibia and fibula in his left leg.
Crépeau was among the teammates who rushed to Koné’s side. He didn’t have to search for the right kind of empathy; he had been there before.
In 2022, Crépeau broke his right leg during extra time of Los Angeles FC’s MLS Cup victory over the Philadelphia Union. He was taken from the field by ambulance and later underwent surgery. The injury sidelined him from the 2022 World Cup, where he was expected to back up Milan Borjan.
After leaving LAFC, Crépeau stayed in Major League Soccer with the Portland Timbers. The 32-year-old currently plays for Orlando City.
In the aftermath of Koné’s injury, Crépeau also consoled 20-year-old defender Luc de Fougerolles.
“Every guy lives the emotions a certain way, and we went through the emotions in that time,” Crépeau said. “Man, it’s so difficult to put into words, but it’s just a moment to say, ‘Hey, you’re not alone. I’m feeling the same thing as you, but we have a job to finish for him.’”
The juxtaposition was difficult to miss: a dominant win that carried Canada toward the knockout stage. and a moment of serious injury that lingered long after the final whistle. On Friday. Crépeau’s answers held both sides—how close the crowd came to persuading him to shoot. and how far pain and solidarity traveled when Koné went down.
Maxime Crépeau Canada Qatar World Cup BC Place Ismaël Koné Assim Madibo Jesse Marsch Luc de Fougerolles
“Shoot!” lol yeah right, goalies always think they’re angels.
So he heard the crowd yelling “Shoot” and didn’t?? That’s wild, I would’ve been like ok why not. But also Canada won 6-0 so what’s even the point.
I mean if the fans are yelling shoot then he should’ve. Doesn’t matter that it’s a goalie, like in hockey you can just do stuff. Also “hardly had anything to do” sounds like excuses, because 6-0 still means he did something, right?
This is why I can’t stand soccer crowds… they’re always screaming like it’s a video game. Also the article mentions injuries and red cards and then it’s like the biggest story is the goalie laughing? Not saying it’s bad, just weird priorities. VANCOUVER support tho, sounds like they want him to be a star even when he barely touched the ball.