Two nations that are in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the very first time meet in Los Angeles on Sunday evening as co-hosts Canada take on South Africa.
It’s already been an historic tournament for co-hosts Canada, as they followed up their 1-1 draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina by claiming their first-ever victory at the World Cup finals, thrashing Qatar 6-0.
However, Jesse Marsch’s men failed to avoid defeat on MD3 and surrendered top spot in Group B, as they were beaten 1-2 by Switzerland.
Nevertheless, The Canucks have reached the knockout stages of the World Cup finals for the very first time, but this match will be the first one in this tournament outside of their country.
South Africa were involved in the opening match of the tournament, as they shipped two goals and lost two men against another one of the co-hosts, Mexico, at the iconic Azteca.
Hugo Broos’ men gave themselves a chance of reaching the Round of 32 on MD2 by coming from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Czechia, before claiming a surprise 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey in the early hours of Thursday morning.
That victory saw Bafana Bafana climb from fourth to second in Group A, meaning they also qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the very first time.
How the bookies view it: Canada clear favourites
Canada are the clear favourites to reach the Round of 16, with bet365 pricing them at just 1/3 To Qualify, whilst the win inside 90 minutes is a more backable 7/10.
South Africa are 12/5 underdogs to advance to the next stage, whilst a win inside regulation time is 17/4.
More match odds are available on our best mobile apps for World Cup betting.
Head to head: First-ever competitive meeting
Sunday’s clash will be the very first competitive meeting between these two nations, with the only previous encounter coming in November 2007, which South Africa won 2-0.
Players to watch: David to deliver again?
Jonathan David played a big part in securing Canada’s maiden win at the World Cup finals, as he scored a hat trick against Qatar.
The Juventus striker is Canada’s all-time leading scorer, scoring 42 goals – as well as providing 16 assists – across his 80 caps, and is an appealing 1/1 at bet365 to Score or Assist.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
South Africa will have Teboho Mokoena available again after missing the South Korea clash through suspension.
Canada will once again be without the injured Ismael Kone, whilst captain Alphonso Davies is still a doubt, having yet to feature at the tournament.
South Africa: Williams, Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba, Sithole, Mokoena, Maseko, Mokofeng, Appolis, Makgopa
Canada: Crepeau, Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea, Buchanan, Eustaquio, Saliba, Millar, David, Larin
Anything else catch the eye?
Canada are favourites to win here – and despite losing home advantage – I still expect them to reach the Round of 16 for the very first time.
Jesse Marsch’s men were competitive in all three of their matches in Group B, whilst South Africa scored just twice across their three group-stage clashes, and one of those was a penalty.
The Canucks are 7/10 to get the job done inside 90 minutes, but throwing in under 4.5 goals boosts the price to a more backable 20/23 at bet365.
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