South Africa vs Canada Predictions - Canada backed to beat stubborn Bafana Bafana

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Canada unbeaten in 9 of last 10 matches, strong attacking form.
South Africa have only 1 win in last 8 matches, struggle to score.
Prediction: Canada favored to advance due to superior attack.

Canada (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Canada Predictions

South Africa square off against Canada at Los Angeles Stadium in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

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.

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.

Head to Head

The only previous meeting between South Africa and Canada was a friendly in 2007, which ended 2-0 in favour of Bafana Bafana.

South Africa Form

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 Form

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.

South Africa vs Canada News and Predicted Liuneups

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

South Africa v Canada

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.