No more math. No more goal differential calculations or need for an advanced physics degree to figure out which third place finishers in groups will play in the knockout rounds, who they’ll play, where they’ll play. For 10 consecutive days, starting Sunday, global soccer fans will be treated to a steady diet of win-or-go-home World Cup games, unspooling in stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Right through the Rounds of 32 and 16; on July 8th, there’s one day off before the quarters.
On the first day of knockoutpalooza, one of the World Cup co-hosts, Canada, took center stage. Canada was in an unusual, and potentially difficult, spot for its Round of 32 contest against South Africa: it became the first World Cup host country to play a game outside its borders. Canada just needed a draw with Switzerland in its final group stage game, on June 24th in Vancouver, to remain in British Columbia through the Round of 16, should Canada get that far. Instead, Switzerland won 2-1, shuttling the Canadians, who’ve never reached a World Cup elimination round in their two prior appearances, in 1986 and 2022, to Los Angeles.
At least the trip was a straight jaunt down the coast. And all game long, Canada outclassed South Africa, who at times appeared content to hold the ball and take the game to a penalty shootout (earning jeers from the Canada-heavy crowd). Canada doubled South Africa’s shot output, 12-6. Off a late first-half corner kick, a Moïse Bombito header was kicked off the line by South African defender Aubrey Modiba. The rebound pinballed onto the foot of Canada’s Tajon Buchanan, who slammed it towards the post: South African keeper Ronwen Williams body-saved the shot. Moments later, Canada appeared to earn a penalty shot via a violent tackle on Richie Laryea. But the ref swallowed his whistle. As the half came to a close, fiery Canada coach Jesse Marsch had to be restrained by Bombito, lest he say too much to the officials.
In the 7
