On Friday, Canada's golden generation carries the hopes and dreams of a nation as the country kicks off a home World Cup for the first time at BMO Field against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Like everyone else involved in the sport in this country, it is a day that Kyle Bekker has long been anticipating. The Forge FC captain knows how much hard work from across the Canadian soccer community has gone into making Friday possible, and he is bullish on the team performing in a way that brings plenty of fruit from all that labour.
"We have a very exciting team that I think a lot of people should be excited about," said Bekker. "I can't wait to be a fan, just like everyone else."
While he may be cheering on Canada's team from the sidelines, Bekker has plenty of ties to this squad. He did, of course, earn 18 caps for the men's national team between 2013 and 2017.
His career journey has also included calling many of the players representing Canada teammates. He played with Richie Laryea at Sigma FC back in the day before both of them started their pro careers. For Bekker, it has been particularly special to see Laryea's quality and relentless belief turn him into a vital part of the Canadian men's national team.
"His confidence and belief and that level of competition he has is different," said Bekker. "I think that can be a catalyst in the locker room, and it can inspire you to go out like 'why can't we do it?'. I think he has the attitude that a lot of people in this country need to have in this game to just believe in yourself, because we do have incredible talent, we do have guys with a ton of ability, but sometimes we have that doubt, when that doubt creeps in, you shy away from things. Richie ain't shying away from nothing."
One of the players "with a ton of ability" that Bekker is most looking forward to watching on this Canadian side is Sassuolo midfielder Ismaël Koné. A central midfielder himself, Bekker can't help but marvel at the natural ability of the 23-year-old, who is about the player in his second World Cup.
"I think the guy's got bags of talent, he's incredible," said Bekker. "I hope he just goes in and plays a little bit free and expresses himself. It's a moment that I'm sure he's been dreaming about his entire life, but he's got the quality, he's got the ability, so I just hope maybe we loosen the reins on him a little bit, he goes out and he shows what he's capable of doing."
Another former teammate of Bekker's, both with Canada and Toronto FC, is Jonathan Osorio. At 34, 'Oso' is Canada's oldest player on the squad. His experience is vital to the squad, but so is his immense technical ability and versatility.
"He's a respected guy in the locker room, and everyone who plays with him has that respect for him," said Bekker. "You need a guy like that, and then the guy's quality speaks for itself. I'm sure people talk about the experience and him being older, but the guy's got quality too, so you know he can go out and do something for the country."
Tournament football requires this sort of experience, players like Osorio who know when to put their foot on the ball and slow down a match, or preach calm to their teammates. Bekker has plenty of knockout experience himself, and knows that game management is crucial in these moments.
"Everyone, in theory, is going to be a purist and say we have to have 90 per cent possession and pass a team to death and score five goals," says Bekker. "But who gives a s---. If we go out and we score a header in the 95th minute, win 1-0. I don't care. Survive and advance, and with that comes confidence. Crazier things have been done."
The further Canada advance, the greater the opportunity they have to ignite the country -- and further raise the tide of Canadian soccer as a whole.