FIFA World Cup hospitality boost
Thousands of soccers fans supporting Germany and Ivory Coast are in Toronto as the FIFA World Cup match between the two nations kicked off in the city on Saturday.
Germany defeated Ivory Coast 2-1, securing a spot in the tournament’s knockout stage.
Earlier in the day, Germany’s supporters marched by Toronto’s waterfront to the temporarily rebranded BMO Field, a near Queens Quay West and Robertson Crescent with thousands in attendance.
Road closures took place throughout the day, with Lake Shore Boulevard West fully closed in both directions between Bathurst Street and British Columbia Road.
The closures typically take effect about five hours before kickoff and remain in place until roughly three hours after the final whistle.
Ivory Coast supporters also filled up Toronto Stadium, wearing their team’s orange jerseys.
Ivory Coast players arrived in Toronto with striker Elye Wahi after the 23-year-old was cleared to enter Canada, a boost for the team.
There had been uncertainty over his availability for today’s match due to an investigation in France for alleged betting-related offences.
The Ivorians opened the tournament with a 1-0 win over Ecuador, while Germany routed Curaçao 7-1 in its first match.
Toronto police are also reminding fans that drones are prohibited around Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival during the tournament.
Police said more than six people have already been charged under Canadian Aviation Regulations after allegedly flying drones over and around FIFA sites downtown on June 19 and June 20.
– With files from The Canadian Press
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