The Vancouver Whitecaps will celebrate Canada Day by honouring the last time this country participated in the FIFA World Cup.
The 1986 men’s national team will be honoured prior to the Whitecaps’ home game against the Colorado Rapids on Sunday afternoon at B.C. Place Stadium.
Led by head coach Tony Waiters, 12 members from the team will be recognized on the field before kickoff.
Prior to the match, Victoria's George Pakos will lead the Southsiders' March to the Match from Victory Square to B.C. Place at 2:45 p.m. Pakos, who hails from Victoria, was a hero for Canada in qualifying for the 1986 World Cup, scoring in both of the final round matches against Honduras.
Canada lost all three matches in Mexico that year but did hang tough with powerhouse France, losing 1-0 before a pair of 2-0 setbacks to Hungary and USSR.
The build-up to Mexico included a highly-anticipated visit by England to an expanded Swangard Stadium in Burnaby in May of that year. England won 1-0.
Other players participating in Sunday’s ceremony include: Paul Dolan (goalkeeper), Gerry Gray (midfielder), Greg Ion (midfielder), Bob Lenarduzzi (defender), Colin Miller (defender)Dale Mitchell (striker)David Norman (midfielder)and Carl Valentine (striker). They will be joined by assistant coaches Les Wilson and Alan Errington.
All fans are encouraged to wear red and white for Sunday’s game as Whitecaps FC keepers will be dressed in red and the outfield players will be in the all-white Rain Kit.
