World Cup Preview: South Africa vs Canada

South Africa vs Canada

South Africa face tournament co-hosts Canada at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with a place in the last 16 on the line. Both nations are making their first-ever appearances in the World Cup knockout stages, ensuring one of them will create even more history.

Bafana Bafana arrive full of confidence after their memorable 1-0 victory over South Korea secured second place in Group A. Canada also impressed during the group stage, finishing second in Group B despite a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group match.

South Africa

South Africa have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament. Under Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have built their success on defensive organisation, discipline, and teamwork. They frustrated some of the tournament’s stronger sides and showed they can compete against quality opposition.

Their victory over South Korea proved they have the belief to challenge anyone. While they may not enjoy as much possession as Canada, South Africa will be confident that their counter-attacking style can trouble the North American side.

Bafana Bafana will also take confidence from history, having defeated Canada 2-0 in their only previous meeting back in 2007.

Canada

Canada have continued the progress that has seen them become one of CONCACAF’s strongest teams in recent years. Playing as co-hosts, they have enjoyed excellent home support throughout the tournament and possess plenty of pace and attacking quality.

Despite losing their final group match to Switzerland, Canada showed enough during the opening two games to qualify for the Round of 32. They will believe they have the quality to go further, but they face a South African side that has already shown it can frustrate technically gifted opponents.

Canada are expected to dominate possession, but they will need to be wary of South Africa’s quick transitions and disciplined defensive structure.

What’s at stake

The stakes could not be higher. The winner advances to the Round of 16 and moves one step closer to an unforgettable World Cup campaign, while the losing side heads home.

For South Africa, victory would represent the greatest achievement in the nation’s FIFA World Cup history. Canada, meanwhile, will be aiming to delight their home supporters by reaching the last 16 for the first time.

South Africa possible starting 11:

Williams; Modiba, Mbokazi, Mudau, Okon; Mbatha, Sithole; Appollis, Moremi, Mofokeng, and Maseko

Canada possible starting 11:

Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Choiniere, Saliba, Ali Ahmed; Buchanan, David, Larin

Predictions

This promises to be one of the most evenly matched fixtures in the Round of 32. Canada will enjoy the backing of a North American crowd and have plenty of attacking talent, but South Africa has shown throughout the tournament that they are extremely difficult to break down.

Expect Canada to control possession for long periods, while Bafana Bafana look to stay compact and hit on the counter-attack. If South Africa can maintain the defensive discipline that helped them overcome South Korea, they have every chance of progressing.

Prediction: South Africa 1-0 Canada