You’ve sung the Canadian national anthem ever since you were a kid – now it’s time to be introduced to the Canadian national soccer anthem. Before "We Are One" echoed through Canadian Premier League stadiums, we had "Oh Canada We'll Proudly Play for You" – a song dedicated to Canada’s men's team that competed at the FIFA 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Written by Bob McCue and Alan Clark, not much is known about the song or its origins (CanPL.ca attempted to contact writers and producers of the song, but to no avail) other than it was, in part, commissioned by the Canadian Soccer Association (now Canada Soccer). It’s a unique piece of the Canadian soccer experience – especially in the internet age. Former national team standouts Bob Lenarduzzi and Bruce Wilson are mentioned in this electronic-sounding traditional folk song, with lyrics challenging Canada’s underdog status in Mexico, asking: "But who can lay down odds on the hearts of 11 men?" While Canada lost all three group stages matches in Mexico – famously their only World Cup appearance – you can’t help but feel the excitement. A moment of Canadian soccer history worth revelling in – especially on Canada Day.

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