‘Hostile environment will give us extra motivation’ Canada set for away test

Tani Oluwaseyi

Canada will become the first FIFA World Cup host nation to play a match outside its borders when they face South Africa in the last 32 here on Sunday.

Jesse Marsch's side, who are the co-hosts of this edition along with the USA and Mexico, have enjoyed plenty of support at their home games during the group stage, but that won't be the case in USA, where they'll likely encounter a hostile atmosphere. But Canada forward Tani Oluwaseyi is unperturbed.

"I think we, I wouldn't say prefer, but we really like a hostile environment. We really like an away crowd, because it just gives you that extra motivation to prove all the fans around you wrong," said Oluwaseyi. Canada may be boosted by Alphonso Davies's return from injury after the Bayern Munich full-back missed all three group-stage games.

Meanwhile, South Africa seem to have turned a page after their disastrous 0-2 loss to Mexico in the tournament opener. They've shown far more defensive nous and attacking intent in their games against Czechia (1-1) and South Korea (1-0), which means they could spring a surprise come Saturday.

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