Canada boss Jesse Marsch outlines Bafana qualities ahead of World Cup last 32 showdown

The Canucks kicked off their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina before thrashing Qatar 6-0.

A 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group stage encounter saw Marsch's side finish in second place in Group B.

Bafana Bafana, meanwhile, lost 2-0 to fellow co-hosts Mexico in their World Cup opener before holding Czechia to a 1-1 draw.

All expectations were for South Africa to lose their final group game, but they emerged with a 1-0 victory against the more fancied South Koreans.

While the Canadian fans are expecting an easy game and against the Sub-Saharan side, the head coach knows to be wary of underestimating their opponents.

"I think that we are expecting South Africa to be very intense, to have a fast start, and to be very excited and spirited for this match," Marsch said on FARPost.

"It's a big moment for their federation and their team. Coach [Hugo] Broos has done a really good job of preparing them and getting them ready - especially after the first match, where they picked up two red cards against Mexico. They stayed strong in the tournament and found a way to get better as they went on.

"So, we are very clear on the qualities that they have. We are very clear on what to expect, and it's also a moment for us where we want to be at our best."

Marsch has, meanwhile, been boosted by the return to fitness of talisman Alphonso Davies, who is yet to make an appearance at the tournament.

"Now that we have Alphonso Davies back, healthy and ready to perform, I think it's a big moment and a big boost for the team," Marsch added.

"All the players that came to camp with minor injuries are now closer to 100 percent and ready to perform at the highest level, which gives us a chance to be at our best in these matches."

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