The wait is over for Canadian soccer fans as Alphonso Davies made a significant media appearance in Los Angeles on Saturday, announcing his long-anticipated return for the opening knockout match of the World Cup.
Canada, set to compete against fellow debutants South Africa in a crucial Sunday showdown, finds itself at a pivotal moment. For head coach Jesse Marsch, who had previously used Davies’s fitness status to mislead opponents in Vancouver, the timing of this return is equally critical. However, that strategy backfired, resulting in Canada’s first loss of the tournament.
Facing one of the lowest-ranked teams to advance past the group stage, Davies and Marsch have a chance to add another historic achievement to their World Cup journey. They are also looking to mend the wounds from the same venue, SoFi Stadium, where Davies suffered an ACL tear last March, marking the beginning of a troubling period for both the player and the national team, as well as Bayern Munich, his club. This return could signal a new era of harmony and success.
“Coming back to this stadium, [it’s] like now I get to finish something I started a year ago and really enjoy playing [here],” noted Davies, who has been absent from international play since his injury. “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 talented left-back has been sidelined, watching his teammates compete with frustration. He described his experience during Group B as “Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, it’s a big moment for the team,” humorously reacting to a German journalist’s suggestion that he might start against South Africa. “It changes the potential of what our team is and what we can do in this tournament. The whole idea was: ‘Can we get stronger as the tournament goes on? And as the opponents get tougher and the moments get bigger?’ That’s where we are right now.” exclaimed an astonished Davies, who might need to refine his poker face. Or perhaps he has already mastered the art of deception.
Davies is not the only significant player returning to the lineup. Despite the unfortunate loss of Ismaël Koné due to a severe leg injury in the match against Qatar, Canada is welcoming back two of their key players: Davies and Moïse Bombito, just as the tournament intensifies.
“I think we can say already now that the World Cup is a success for us,” Marsch stated. “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.”
Bombito should definitely be in the starting lineup on Sunday, as his speed could prove crucial against a South African team that surprised many by defeating South Korea in their last match. Even though FIFA rankings place Canada thirty spots ahead of Bafana Bafana, the latter arrives with considerable momentum and will be bolstered by the return of midfield star Teboho Mokoena from suspension.
“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 South Africa’s seasoned manager, Hugo Broos, on Saturday. “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.”
Mokoena is expected to partner with Yaya Sithole, who redeemed himself after receiving a red card in the opening match against Mexico with a standout performance against Korea.
Meanwhile, the status of Canada’s vice-captain, Stephen Eustáquio, is as significant as that of Davies or Bombito. Eustáquio has been dealing with muscle fatigue and was limited to just 30 minutes off the bench against Switzerland in Vancouver, making his absence particularly impactful.
Following a triumphant 6-0 victory over Qatar, Wednesday marked a stark contrast for Canada and Marsch, as the illusion of fitness did not resonate well in the co-host nation. Los Angeles now presents an opportunity for Canada to elevate their World Cup experience from good to great. With only one match scheduled for Sunday, the victor will secure a spot in the last 16, eagerly awaiting to see whether Morocco or the Netherlands will 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,” Marsch emphasized. “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.”
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