Canada have officially qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.The world's second-biggest nation had not played at football's premier competition since 1986, but will be joining the likes of Brazil, England and Argentina on the world stage in Qatar.The Canadians had embarked on a stunning run to the top of the Concacaf table, overcoming the United States of America and Mexico with a record of eight wins, four draws and just one defeat.
Canada make history
And now, they have rounded off their qualification journey to reach the World Cup finals for only the second time in their history by securing a 4-0 win over Jamaica on Thursday night.
Playing on home soil in wintery conditions, the wheels were set in motion for Canada to end their 36-year wait to compete at the highest level of the international game when Cyle Larin scored after just 13 minutes.
Tajon Buchanan then doubled the hosts' advantage on the brink of half-time, before Junior Hoilett's late strike and Adrian Mariappa's own goal confirmed Canada's qualification for Qatar.
Davies watches from the sidelines
Naturally, the celebrations were unreserved with one of the greatest men's teams in Canadian football history having achieved what so many of their talented forebears had failed to.
And incredibly, Canada were able to get their achievement over the line without the help of their most talented player of all, Alphonso Davies, who has been taking a break due to heart muscle inflammation.
Arguably the best left-back in world football, the Bayern Munich star has been instrumental on the way to Canada's historic achievement, but wasn't able to take to the pitch in the game that wrapped it all up.
Soccer Football - World Cup - CONCACAF Qualifiers - Canada v Jamaica - BMO Field, Toronto, Canada - March 27, 2022 Canada players celebrate after qualifying to the World Cup 2022 REUTERS/Carlos Osorio
Davies reacts to Canada's qualification
However, you can rest assured that Davies was investing his full attention into his teammates' quest to reach Qatar as his reaction to the generational moment was captured as part of a Twitch stream.
And to say that the 21-year-old had an emotional response to the moment that Canada's qualification would be confirmed would be the mother of all understatements.
In fact, Davies couldn't hold back the tears in a brilliant realisation that summed up exactly why football is the beautiful game, so be sure to check out Canada's achievement sinking in down below:
Look at what it means. Just look at what it means.
The beautiful game
Yes, club football is great and yes, it's more consistently entertaining, but there's something about players representing their country and particularly at the World Cup that's almost impossible to top.
The likes of Spain, Germany and Brazil might qualify year after year after year, but it's always moving when nations such as Canada either end long waits without a World Cup or make it for the very first time.
When you sit back and realise just how much has changed since the 1986 World Cup that was lifted by Diego Maradona, the magnitude of Canada's achievement really does start to sink in.
Soccer Football - World Cup - CONCACAF Qualifiers - Canada v Jamaica - BMO Field, Toronto, Canada - March 27, 2022 Fans celebrate after Canada qualifies to the World Cup 2022 REUTERS/Carlos Osorio
Whether or not it will for Davies is an entirely different question, though, as he deservedly looks set to spend the next few days pinching himself. Take a bow, Canada, take a bow.