FIFA’s largest-ever World Cup comes to a close

FIFA’s largest-ever World Cup comes to a close GEMMA KARSTENS-SMITH EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. THE CANADIAN PRESS PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO Open this photo in gallery: Canada's Stephen Eustáquio reacts as the Canada flag is carried around after defeating South Africa in a round of 32 World Cup match in Los Angeles last month. FRANK GUNN/THE CANADIAN PRESS COMMENTS SHARE SAVE FOR LATER Listen to this article Learn more about audio Log in or create a free account to listen to this article. Canada’s first appearance at the centre of soccer’s biggest showcase has come to an end. The largest-ever FIFA World Cup came to a close on Sunday with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute to give Spain a 1-0 victory over Argentina. The result capped an expanded 48-team tournament where Vancouver and Toronto were among 16 host cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. It marked the first time men’s World Cup games were held on Canadian soil and, over more than five weeks, the country celebrated soccer as the national team made history. “It’s really been an extraordinary journey for all Canadians,” said Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s secretary of state for sport and the country’s self-described “World Cup Sherpa.” “The World Cup itself, in terms of the sport, was remarkable. It was a huge step forward for Canadian soccer or football or whatever we call it. But what is clear is that Canada is a soccer nation.” The lone Canadian on the field at Sunday’s final wasn’t wearing a jersey and cleats. Justin Bieber instead sported long shorts and sneakers as he serenaded the sold-out crowd of 80,663 in East Rutherford, N.J. as part of the tournament’s first-ever halftime show. Ted Lasso actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt set up the performance, with Sudeikis – in character as the show’s titular affable soccer coach – saying he needed to put someone with “more soul” on the field. Open this photo in gallery: Justin Bieber, Jason Sudeikis, and Brendan Hunt perform during the World Cup final's halftime show on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. CARL RECINE/GETTY IMAGES He pulled Bieber from the sidelines and, after some words of encouragement, the Canadian pop star walked out strumming his acoustic guitar and singing his song Everything Hallelujah. Other Canadians in attendance included rapper Drake, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, singer-songwriter Tate McRae and model-actress Winnie Harlow. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox…