Canada ready for knockout test against South Africa
Los Angeles, June 27: Canada will look to continue its historic FIFA World Cup campaign when it takes on South Africa in the Round of 32 on Monday, with both nations seeking another milestone in what has already been a memorable tournament.
The knockout fixture will mark the first time either side has reached this stage of the FIFA World Cup, guaranteeing that one of them will create more history by advancing to the last 16.
Canada secured second place in Group B after collecting four points from three matches.
The North Americans began with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed it up with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar, before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group game.South Africa also qualified as runners-up from Group A.
After opening with a 2-0 loss to Mexico, Bafana Bafana recovered with a 1-1 draw against Czechia before sealing progression with a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Korea.
The two teams entered the tournament with contrasting FIFA rankings, with Canada placed 30th in the world and South Africa ranked 60th.Canada could also receive a timely boost with the expected return of captain Alphonso Davies. (AP)
