Canada missed out on the chance to play this last-32 tie in front of a home crowd in Vancouver. Instead, they travel to Los Angeles to take on a South Africa side that has recovered impressively after their dismal performance in the opening game of the
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It’s been a wild ride for South Africa fans at this World Cup. They would have held little hope after watching their side freeze in the opener, before spirits were lifted following a 1-1 draw against Czechia.
They were then sent into dreamland when Bafana Bafana delivered an energetic and organised display to overcome South Korea. Just reaching this stage is a huge achievement for Hugo Broos’ side, but having avoided any of the big guns in the last 32 they will hold out hope of extending their stay in North America.
To do so, they will have to cut out the mistakes at the back and be more clinical in attack. They had 13 shots against a timid South Korea, but only four were on target and there was a touch of luck about their goal as it went through the legs of defender Jens Castrop, leaving the keeper somewhat unsighted.
Look out for Relebohile Mofokeng, the 21-year-old Orlando Pirates forward, who has impressed.
Canada may have slipped up against Switzerland, but there are plenty of reasons to feel positive heading into their first-ever World Cup knockout game. They have a stable defensive unit and a clinical finisher in Juventus star Jonathan David.
His hat-trick in the 6-0 thumping of Qatar demonstrated his strengths, from his exceptional movement to his elite finishing. If Canada can carve out opportunities for the 26-year-old, he will finish them.
Ranked 22 places higher in the live world rankings than South Africa, Canada may never get a better chance to reach the last 16. They must take it.
FourFourTwo’s prediction
South Africa 1-2 Canada
FourFourTwo expects the co-hosts’ dream run to continue with a deserved victory over Bafana Bafana.
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