Soccer fans across Nova Scotia are gathering for scheduled watch parties on Saturday to support local winger Jacob Shaffelburg as Canada faces Morocco in a historic World Cup round of 16 elimination match.
The 26-year-old Port Williams native helped secure Canada's first-ever knockout stage appearance after delivering a crucial 92nd-minute cross that led to Stephen Eustaquio's game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over South Africa at SoFi Stadium.
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Shaffelburg, who plays for LAFC, successfully made the World Cup roster despite undergoing sports hernia surgery in January and subsequently suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three months earlier this year.
Hometown Viewing Events
In Shaffelburg's hometown, the Port Pub and Bistro is hosting a massive viewing event, expanding its capacity by installing large screens on the deck and cordoning off half of its parking lot alongside the neighboring Bay of Fundy Brewing Company.
Rob Webb, one of the pub's owners, noted that the establishment expects a massive turnout from the community to cheer on the player local residents have nicknamed the "Maritime Messi."
"In the Port itself, in our taproom side where we have a TV, we'll probably have 150 to 200 people there, inside and outside," said Webb.
The venue previously hosted viewings for Canada's group stage matches, including a 6-0 win against Qatar where Shaffelburg forced an own goal.
"We're also going to put some extra TVs on our deck. And then for half of our parking lot, we're going to cordon it off.
