Canada is facing an unprecedented situation in the World Cup as they take on South Africa in a knockout game outside of their country. This is the first time a host nation will play a win-or-go-home game outside of its own territory.
Background
The World Cup has been full of surprises, and this situation is no exception. Canada finished second in Group B and was sent to SoCal for their Round of 32 match against South Africa. The Swiss, meanwhile, will play in Vancouver at BC Place.
Many Canadians feel that FIFA erred by not ensuring that the teams advancing from Group B would play their knockout rounds in Canada. This could have been avoided if Canada had not lost to the Swiss in their final group stage match.
The Game
The game between Canada and South Africa will take place at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles at 3 p.m. ET. This is a match of firsts for several reasons, including the first knockout match of this year’s tournament and the first time both nations will be playing in the knockout stages of a men’s World Cup.
Canada is looking to make the best of it against the South Africans, but even victory won’t see them back north – their path now runs solely through US-based stadiums.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
