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Vancouver was hosting Expo 86.
Space shuttle Challenger exploded.
USA bombed Libya.
Ferdinand Marcos lost his Presidency from the Phillipines after several decades.
BC Lions were preparing to defend their Grey Cup title after winning it in Nov. 1985.
In that case, Canada actually qualified in Sept. 1985 so that:
September 14, 1985 = March 27, 2022
Back in September 1985:
The BC Lions, after coming just short in the 1983 and 1984, were hungry to win it all and had a great record with only one loss, and eventually won it all after two losses to Winnipeg late in the season gave the Lions a scare.
The Vancouver Canucks were in a rebuilt process by hiring new head coach Tom Watt.
For the first time in a long while, Vancouver only had two pro sports teams as the Whitecaps and the NASL folded after 1984, so rooting for Team Canada was the only way to go when it came to soccer.
Prior to 2022, the last time Canada came even close was in 1993 when trying to qualifying for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. A home win over Mexico would have clinched it for Canada, but unfortunately they dropped a 2-1 decision forcing them to settle for second and play an additional playoff series agains Australia which they lost. But this time, Canada had a solid win over powerhouse Mexico and will finish first in the qualifying division. And along with the Canadian women capturing gold in the Olympics last year, soccer has been great for Canada.
While first things first, as co-host Canada will also automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well.
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