Canada opens path in second round against hopeful South Africa

Having secured their first point, a victory, and qualification for the knockout rounds, host nation Canada approaches their Round of 16 match against South Africa with high hopes. The Canadians and South Africans will kick off the do-or-die duels on Sunday in Los Angeles. Both teams are making their debut in a World Cup knockout match, with the winner advancing to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the quarterfinals. Unlike the United States and Mexico, Canada is the sole host team not competing in this round with the backing of their home crowd. After advancing as group runners-up, mirroring South Africa's achievement, Canada's World Cup journey shifts to California, and potentially Houston if they win. "This journey is not over. In many ways, this has just begun. See you in LA," the North American team posted on X on Thursday. Canada enters unfamiliar territory after a group stage where, notably without star Alphonso Davies, they drew with Bosnia and Herzegovina (1-1), thrashed Qatar (6-0), and lost to Switzerland (2-1), ceding the top spot in Group B to the Swiss. "I'm going to focus on the positives and my team's reaction," said coach Jesse Marsch after Canada had good chances to secure a draw against Switzerland. To dream of greater goals, Canada hopes to have captain Alphonso Davies back. A muscle injury prevented the Bayern Munich star from competing in a home World Cup. "He should be ready," Marsch said of the star winger. Jonathan David, another key player, took offensive leadership with a hat-trick against Qatar. However, the Juventus forward was scoreless against Switzerland, with Cyle Larin, a Southampton attacker, standing out. "I know our team has heart," Marsch stated, acknowledging the physical challenge posed by South Africa. South Africa, who disappointed in their opening match with a 2-1 loss to Mexico, gained momentum against the Czech Republic (1-1) and particularly against South Korea (1-0), thus paving their way to the knockout stage. In three previous appearances (1998, 2002, and 2010), South Africa had never advanced past the group stage. However, their coach, Hugo Broos, is not satisfied with just reaching this stage. "This team believes in itself," Broos warned, having taken charge of the team in 2021. "There was enormous pressure on us before the match against Korea, but we did it... We are ready to challenge the Canadians," remarked the coach, who at 74, plans to retire from coaching after the tournament.

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This journey is not over. In many ways, this has just begun. See you in LA.