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The 2014 FIFA World Cup is nearly behind us, a tournament thats been repeatedly called the best of all time. And Canadians have bought in, consuming the games on radio and television, mounting flags to their cars and following the news from Brazil with great anticipation throughout. Theres only been one thing missing for fans in this country – Canada. No matter how big a soccer fan you are, theres just no doubt the tournament would take on a different kind of appeal if Canada had a stake in the game. The diversity of teams being followed across the country over the past month is a reflection of the mosaic that is Canada, which is fine. But wouldnt it be a heck of a lot more fun if we all had a common rallying point, from one coast to another? Our struggles in mens soccer are well documented, with just one World Cup appearance in 1986, despite the fact that participation levels for soccer players in Canada surpassed hockey during the late stages of the last century. The national mens team is currently tied with Bahrain for 110th in the world. Fortunately, the state of things in the womens game couldnt be more different. Which is why there will be a much different dynamic surrounding the 2015 FIFA Womens World Cup which will take place next summer in Canada. For while this will be a tournament about hosting the world in a global game at venues in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Moncton, Winnipeg and Edmonton next June and July, it will also be about showcasing and getting behind Canadians in the sport of soccer. Team sports tend to get overshadowed at the Olympics. But there is no doubt the most compelling story of the 2012 Summer Games in London was Canada winning bronze in womens soccer. The Canadian women losing in dramatic -- and controversial -- fashion against the United States, and subsequently defeating France to win a medal were two of the most memorable international sporting moments in recent Canadian history. Throw in the fact Canada possesses a world-class star player in Christine Sinclair and you have the kind of dynamics behind which an entire country can rally. Canada currently ranks seventh in womens soccer worldwide, ahead of such traditional soccer nations as England, Italy and the Netherlands, countries our men couldnt touch on their best days. So the optimism about what Canada might accomplish is based on more than just the 2012 Olympic result and the fact that the tournament will be played here. At the top of the heap in womens soccer is the United States which, besides being the tournament favourite, also represents Canadas greatest rival. What will it be like when Canada and the U.S. play next summer? What kind of television audience will it draw? Well consider the factors that could make this one of the marquee events on the Canadian sporting calendar next season. First, the proximity of the U.S.to Canada means the U.S. will have a strong contingent of supporters along with them. Then there is the recent history, the bitterness of the Canadians and the raw feelings over the manner in which they were defeated by the U.S in London. Throw in the fact that the Canadian team is comprised almost exclusively of players who got their training in the U.S. and you can understand why the familiarity of this rivalry makes it so intense. But the real payoff to having the Womens World Cup is what it may mean to the sport of womens soccer in Canada in general. Weve seen the effect that the womens national hockey team has had on the growth of the sport among young girls and women. By its very nature, soccer is a more accessible sport than hockey, which means the potential to seed future generations of womens soccer players is immense. Its one thing to present the worlds game to Canadians and tell them to pick a country to get behind. Its something completely different, and far, far more compelling to tell them they can get behind their own. Soccer isnt a new game in Canada, and from widespread participation to the emergence of Major League Soccer in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal to the technology that allows fans to follow it around the globe, its become a significant part of the sporting fabric of Canada. But safe to say we have never experienced the sport like we will next summer. Deacon Jones Jersey . Watch the action live on TSN and listen on TSN 1050 Radio beginning at 7pm et/4pm pt. The Raptors maintained their spot atop the Atlantic Friday after defeating the Wizards, 96-88, for their second win in a row. Pharoh Cooper Jersey . On the eve of the 2013-14 NBA season, he can finally take a step back and allow his team to do the talking. http://www.cheapramsjerseyssale.com/?tag=troy-hill-jersey-sale Joseph Noteboom Jersey . The Brazilian-born strikers brace drew him level with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo as the leagues leading scorers with 17 goals apiece through 16 rounds. "The important thing is to help the team win, not the goals," Diego Costa said. After a first half dominated by defence, Atletico pressed Valencia into its area and Diego Costa did the rest. Jack Youngblood Jersey . It was considered unlikely that Rielly would be loaned to Canada for the tournament, which begins Dec. 26 in Malmo, Sweden, though a stretch of three straight games in the press box made it something of a debate.Oscar has revealed to Sky Sports News HQ the extent of his frustration at a lack of playing time this season but insists he wants to stay at Chelsea and prove himself under new manager Antonio Conte. The 24-year-old Brazil international has made 20 Premier League starts after an early-season injury and is reportedly attracting interest from a host of top European clubs including Juventus.But, speaking ahead of their penultimate game of the season at Liverpool, live on Sky Sports 2 HD on Wednesday night, Oscar says Contes arrival is a clean slate for the entire Chelsea squad. Its been very difficult for me, Oscar told Sky Sports News HQ. I had a great season last season, and Im coming from two or three seasons of doing well, but I was one of those players who got injured at the start of the season. Oscar has made 13 appearances of the bench this season When I came back, the team wasnt doing so well and I found myself on the bench and in and out of the first team. I didnt achieve the level I wanted to achieve but hopefully next season I can do better.[The new managers arrival] is great for the players. Obviously you have to prove yourself. Im sure the coach has been following all the players individually. Oscar is looking forward to proving himself under Antonio Conte next season It will be a breath of fresh air to the team and everyones excited to prove their worth to be here.dddddddddddd Obviously I havent been very happy because I havent been playing very much but, with the new coach coming in, its a fresh beginning for everyone.Doubts remain, however, over the future of Chelseas long-standing captain John Terry, who is out of contract in June, and has not been given any indication yet from the club that he is in line for an extension.Terry said on Tuesday that he still wants to stay at Stamford Bridge, while interim head coach Guus Hiddink believes the centre-back is worthy of a new deal, and Oscar also hopes the skipper will remain at the club.He said: His future is down to him and Chelsea to decide whats best. Obviously I want him to stay but its down to them.Hes a great leader and he has helped me ever since I arrived here. I like him very much but he will know whats best for his future and whatever he decides Ill be happy for him. Also See: Sky Live: Liverpool v Chelsea Premier League table WATCH: Klopp on Chelsea game Get a ￡10 free bet! Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Cheap Adidas Hockey Jerseys Wholesale Nike Baseball Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys From China Wholesale Jerseys China Wholesale NFL Jerseys China Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Cheap Nike NBA Jerseys Authentic Cheap NHL Jerseys Canada Cheap Nike MLB Jerseys Cheap Soccer Jerseys China NCAA Jerseys Cheap Nike NHL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys Store Cheap Football Jerseys Store Wholesale Soccer Jerseys Jerseys NCAA China Jerseys NFL Cheap Cheap Nike NBA Jerseys ' ' '