Canada coach Jesse Marsch became the first manager at this summer's World Cup to win a knockout match, as his side edged South Africa 1-0 thanks to a 92nd-minute strike from former Porto midfielder, Stephen Eustaquio.
It marks a historic moment for Canadian football, with the co-hosts never having previously advanced from the group stage or even won a World Cup match before this summer.
Canada will now face the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco for a place in the quarter-finals, but the build-up to their breakthrough run has been just as eventful as the football itself.
Marsch Refuses to Take the Bait on USA Question
A range of Marsch’s comments have come in for criticism from a host of pundits and former players . The 52-year-old was born and raised in the United States and even spent time as an assistant for the USMNT , but has been in charge of Canada since 2024, which is controversial enough in itself.
It certainly isn't the first time Marsch's comments have come in for criticism.
True to form, Marsch couldn't resist having some input when asked about the USA's upcoming round of 32 clash with Bosnia, who they drew 1-1 with in the group stage, despite previously vowing to steer clear of commenting on his home nation and vowing to never manage them.
"I don't really care. It's up to the U.S. to figure out, and they can learn from the matches that Bosnia played. I know a couple of players on their team, and Bosnia is a group of fighters, so they were not easy to play against."
Given Marsch was passed over for the USA job himself back in 2023, when Gregg Berhalter was reappointed ahead of him, it's hard not to wonder if there's a touch of sour grapes behind the comments.
Clint Dempsey Hits Back at Marsch's National Anthem Claim
Marsch's comments on the eve of the tournament, revealing he and former USMNT manager Bob Bradley once had to plead with players to sing the national anthem, also continue to draw reaction.
Marsch’s behaviour has caused a huge stir.
Clint Dempsey wasn't impressed with Marsch’s words, saying:
"I can't take this guy too seriously... I'm not going to take advice from someone who switched to the other side and is singing another country's national anthem."
Despite the ongoing back-and-forth, Marsch insists he remains "proud to be American," even if his outspoken style and current role continue to split opinion on both sides of the border.
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