Canada don make history for World Cup. Dem beat South Africa 1-0 for round of 32 match wey happen for SoFi Stadium for Los Angeles. Stephen Eustáquio score for 92nd minute with fine volley. Dis one na first time Canada dey win any knockout match for World Cup.
Coach Jesse Marsch no waste time to praise im players. For broadcast, dem hear am tell dem say dem be “Canadian heroes.” Marsch talk say, “Dis sport get big future because of una.” When reporters ask am about im speech, Marsch say, “People dey talk say e be performative to meet players for pitch after game. I no give a s—. Frankly, I no care. For dis moments after game, people dey pull for many directions, so you must take di moment right dere.”
Canada suppose play dia group stage match for Vancouver, but di game shift to Los Angeles because of Switzerland match wey determine second place for Group B. Still, plenty Canada fans come out. More dan 69,000 people pack SoFi Stadium, and many dey wear Canada jerseys. Marsch say, “We dey used to play for States with Copa America and Gold Cup. We disappoint say we no play for home, but di guys quickly refocus. E take 92 minutes, but we do am.”
Now Canada go face di winner of Netherlands–Morocco match for round of 16. Marsch say, “Our goal for tournament na to make run and face one of di giants of soccer world. Morocco na giant, Netherlands na giant too. I feel like dis next game na free hit. We go go out and give our best shot.”
Eustáquio, wey play for LAFC, talk say, “We work for am. We get special group. We feel like we be brodas. When we fight for each oda, special things fit happen. I dey over di moon, but di job no finish. We never stop believing. Di goal na something we deserve.”
Marsch don be Canada coach since May 2024. E say, “Di ideals and character of Canadian people fit me well. E be country wey dey kind and caring to outsiders. E dey appreciate di things you do more dan di things you say. Americans get rap for being boisterous and outwardly vocal, but I no give a s—. All I care about na to work with di players and try to get di best out of dis group.”
When dem ask am about United States opponent for round of 32, Bosnia-Herzegovina, wey draw 1-1 with Canada for dia first match, Marsch no give any info. E just say, “Whoever Bosnia play, dem go give really hard match.”
