+ Round of 16: South Africa–Canada, Sunday, 9:00 PM
Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California.
TV4/P4 Radio Sport
+ Onward despite nightmare start
South Africa had a nightmare start to the World Cup. In the very first match of the tournament, the team had two players sent off and lost 0–2 to the host nation Mexico. But since then, “Bafana Bafana” has come to life.
They drew 1–1 with the Czech Republic, and in the decisive group match South Africa surprisingly defeated South Korea 1–0. It was enough to clinch second place in Group A and secure the country's first playoff spot in World Cup history.
+ Dream situation for the host nation
A draw (1–1) in the World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a crushing 6–0 victory against Qatar and then a bitter 1–2 loss against Switzerland were enough for host nation Canada.
Despite “only” finishing second, Canada enters its first playoff match in World Cup history as favorites.
+ The superstar can make his World Cup debut
Alphonso Davies was Canada's big poster boy for the World Cup on home soil. But well into the tournament, the Bayern Munich star had not played a single minute. The 25-year-old full-back has been struggling with a thigh injury, but that injury appears to have healed, according to Canada coach Jesse Marsch.
"He will be ready for the next match," said Marsch after the match against Switzerland.
+ Morocco or the Netherlands awaits
The winner of Sunday's match will have a tough nut to crack in the round of 16. In Houston on July 4, either Morocco - a 2022 World Cup semi-finalist - or the Netherlands will face off.
Regardless of the outcome in the round of 16, either South Africa or Canada will come from behind.
