FIFA World Cup fever kicks off in B.C.

Last Updated: Friday, June 11, 2010/ 8:54 AM PT CBC News.

Many sports fans across B.C. will be donning soccer jerseys instead of Canucks wear as FIFA World Cup fever takes over. (CBC)

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With the NHL season finally over, and the Canucks' defeat just a distant memory, many B.C. sports fans have turned their attention to the opening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The first game of the world's biggest sporting event kicked off in Johannesburg on at 7 a.m. PT on Friday with a match between the host country South Africa and Mexico.

And despite the early morning start, bars and restaurants opened up early across the province to let soccer mad fans gather to watch the opening of the tournament.

Both South African and Mexican fans were gathered at the Three Lions cafe on West Broadway in Vancouver. Many told CBC News they could barely sleep on Thursday night and were relieved to see the tournament underway.

Bjorn Osiek of Soccer B.C. says even though hockey is Canada's game, far more British Columbians play soccer, especially on the Lower Mainland, so it is not surprising the tournament is getting so much attention here.

"Don't forget soccer is South Africa's game—Glenn Hicks

"The multicultural and diversity base is one strength, also the weather is a little bit more benign, so you see the game being played almost year round," he said.

Canada does not have a team in the tournament, but like many Canadians with strong links to other countries, Osiek is cheering for his native country — in his case Germany — to win.

South African hopeful

Up in Nelson, Glenn Hicks was up early before work to catch the so-called beautiful game live.

Hicks was born in Canada but raised in South Africa and England. As a journalist he covered South Africa's first shot at the World Cup years ago, and he's hopeful the host team will put in good performance this year.

"Don't forget soccer is South Africa's game. Yes they are current world champions in rugby and are excellent cricketers, but this is a soccer mad nation," he said.

But Glenn Hicks doesn't think South Africa is likely to win the tournament, so, he's cheering for England as well.

"I am sick and tired of having to think back to 1966 as England's one and only World Cup triumph. That's boring," he said.

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