Sports Illustrated: Mr. Davis, you are the new face of Biosteel Sports Drinks. Which flavor do you like the most?
Alphonso Davis: Apparently “Rainbow Twist,” which tastes like fruit punch. I like it a lot. It is an honor for me to be able to work with Biosteel. After a workout on the court, the products are the ideal thing for your body – sugar-free, of course. For an athlete who needs to drink a lot to replenish electrolytes after exercise, what they eat during recovery is very important. And it should not contain sugar.
Sports Illustrated: All of Canada looks forward to the World Cup in November and Qatar. In 1986, 36 years after the final final in Mexico, you qualified with the Canadian national team. How passionate was he for you?
Davis: It was amazing and we did it. I am very grateful for this. Our country has waited for this moment for so long. But now in Qatar we also want to prove that we are worth it and show what players of our generation are capable of doing in the company of the best countries in the world. Everyone is highly motivated. We can’t wait to get started.
Sports Illustrated: What do you expect, what are you expecting from the 2022 World Cup?
Davis: The worst thing we can do is go to scared games. Being seen as an underdog can help. Well because Canada hasn’t made it for so long, we may be underestimating. But this is football, anything can happen. Many great teams have lost to underdog teams. We want to annoy the big guys and let them down.
Sports Illustrated: How realistic are the chances of reaching the round of 16 in a group with runners-up Croatia, secret favorites Belgium and Morocco?
Davis: We have to focus on ourselves, have a clear mind, get on the pitch and just play our game. We don’t shy away from the competition. Belgium should be the strongest opponent, they just have a top team. Croatia has a lot of experience, was in the final in Russia in 2018. And Morocco scored an incredible run in the Africa Cup of Nations this year, reaching the quarter-finals. But we Canadians love this kind of challenge and now we want to make history. Of course, every team takes part in a tournament to win it. Our main focus is: go out there, play our football, enjoy it and get through the best group, reach the knockout stage.
Sports Illustrated: You have announced that you will donate all of your World Cup earnings to charity.
Davis: This is very important for me. My parents came to Canada as refugees, the country adopted us, welcomed me and my family. Whatever I have learned in life, I have learned in Canada. And being able to play for my country is enough for me. It’s an honour. In addition, I want to do something good for those who need it – to give something back to my country. The overwhelmingly positive responses made me very happy.
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