Alphonso Davies made his first media appearance of this World Cup in Los Angeles on Saturday lunchtime, promising the opening last-32 game of the tournament would be the stage for his long-awaited return. For Canada, who face fellow knockout newcomers South Africa here in a Sunday matinee, it could not come at a more crucial time.
Davies Returns to SoFi Stadium After ACL Tear
Davies tore his ACL at SoFi Stadium last March, beginning an injury nightmare that kept him out of Canada's squad for the group stage. “Coming back to this stadium, like now I get to finish something I started a year ago and really enjoy playing here,” said Davies. “The first time I was in this stadium it was beautiful but it was cut short. At the end of the day, that’s football.”
The left-back described his watching brief throughout Group B as “painful” but provided a comedic moment when a German journalist suggested his return would be in Marsch’s starting XI. “Start!?” chirped an incredulous Davies.
Canada Reunites Key Players for Knockout Phase
While Canada lost Ismaël Koné to a sickening leg break against Qatar, they are now getting arguably their two best players – Davies and Moïse Bombito – back as the tournament moves into its most meaningful phase. “Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, it’s a big moment for the team,” added head coach Jesse Marsch. “It changes the potential of what our team is and what we can do in this tournament.”
If Bombito could then he certainly should start Sunday. His pace could be essential against a South African side which burned South Korea on a number of occasions in Wednesday night’s shock in Monterrey. Thirty places may separate Sunday’s foes in Fifa’s rankings but Bafana Bafana arrived here with more momentum.
South Africa Seeks Miracle After Group Stage Success
“I think we can say already now that the World Cup is a success for us,” South Africa’s veteran manager, Hugo Broos, said on Saturday. “That doesn’t mean now that we are happy and just play the game tomorrow and go home. You want more. We will have to be on our best level. But should we achieve again and go to the third round then that should be a miracle for Bafana Bafana.”
South Africa will welcome midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena back from suspension, likely slotting in beside Yaya Sithole who enjoyed redemption from his opening day red card against Mexico with a stellar display against the Koreans.
Canada’s Midfield Concerns Ahead of Clash
The status of Canada vice-captain Stephen Eustáquio looms large. The Porto player was suffering from reported muscle fatigue and limited to just 30 minutes off the bench against Switzerland in Vancouver. His absence was felt acutely.
After the high of a first World Cup win with the 6-0 drubbing against Qatar, Wednesday was a comedown for Canada and Marsch, the fitness smoke and mirrors stuff not going down particularly well in the co-host nation. Los Angeles offers the opportunity to turn a good World Cup into something great.
Winner Advances to Last 16
With just a solitary match on Sunday’s slate, the winner will be the first into the last 16, kicking back to watch whether it’s Morocco or the Netherlands who join them in Houston. “We’re going to experience difficulty, we’re going to experience success. We’re going to have challenges. The key is that we’re ready to rise,” said Marsch. “For me I live for these moments, I’m sure Alphonso would say the same. You live for the moments where you’re tested and you can show how good you are.”
