South Africa vs Canada Preview & Betting Tips - Co Hosts Set for Round of 16 Berth
South Africa and Canada meet in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup. South Africa enter off an unconvincing group performance with only one recent win and struggle for goals, while Canada, despite a narrow group stage defeat to Switzerland, are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches and boast more attacking threat. South Africa will miss Themba Zwane due to suspension, while Canada have injury woes but expect key players to return. Canada are slight favorites to progress.
- Canada have lost only 1 of their last 10 matches; South Africa won just 1 in 8.
- South Africa struggle for goals, while Canada are in better attacking form.
- Injuries and suspensions affect both teams' starting line-ups.
Both teams had similar records in the group phase, but the co-hosts have shown a bit more attacking quality than their rivals and should have the edge in this one.
Key Stats
- South Africa have failed to win seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- South Africa have scored just once or fewer in their last eight matches in all competitions
- Canada are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
One Previous Meeting
The only previous meeting between South Africa and Canada was a friendly in 2007, which ended 2-0 in favour of Bafana Bafana.
Bafana Bafana Looking Unconvincing
South Africa are coming off a 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final group stage fixture. Thapelo Maseko struck the only goal midway through the second half, and they were able to hold on for the win.
That was the first win in the competition for South Africa, who began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Their overall performance has been unconvincing lately, having picked up just one win from their last eight matches in all competitions.
One of the issues for South Africa is a lack of cutting edge in attack, as they often struggle to create chances. Hugo Broos’ team have failed to score more than one goal in their last eight matches in all competitions.
Canada Eyeing History
Canada head into this clash off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group stage fixture. They fell just short of a late comeback after going two goals down, with Promise David’s second-half effort proving a mere consolation.
That was the first defeat for Canada in the tournament as they finished second in Group B. Les Rouges have shown good attacking quality so far, as a 6-0 victory over Qatar was among their results in the group stage.
Canada’s solid recent showing stretches beyond the World Cup, as they have shown some good form lately. Jesse Marsch’s team are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena; Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi; Lyle Foster.
South Africa will be without Themba Zwane, who remains suspended following his straight red card in the opening fixture. However, Teboho Mokoena is set to return after serving a suspension against South Korea, while Lyle Foster is also set to earn the nod up front after sitting out the previous fixture.
Canada (4-4-2): Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laura; Tajon Buchanan, Nathan Saliba, Stephen Eustaquio, Liam Millar; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.
Canada are without injured Ismael Kone, whose tournament is over, while captain Alphonso Davies is doubtful, with the defender yet to feature at the tournament.
Stephen Eustaquio is set return to the starting line-up after featuring off the bench last time out, while Cyle Larin and Jonathan David should continue their attacking partnership.
Verdict
Both teams had their moments in the group stage, but South Africa’s unconvincing attack might be an issue in this one.
Canada create more scoring opportunities and having shown good attacking quality in the competition, should come out on top and secure a Round of 16 place.
Canada
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