The knockout stage is here, and the pressure is officially turned all the way up. There is no more room for slow starts, missed chances, or “we’ll get them next time” thinking. From here on out, it is simple: win and move on, lose and go home.

Day 1 of the Round of 32 brings a historic matchup between South Africa and Canada, two nations playing in their first-ever World Cup knockout stage match. Both teams have taken very different paths to get here, but now they meet with one shared goal: survive and advance.

South Africa vs. Canada

This is the showdown between the Group A runner-up and Group B runner-up, with both countries stepping into a historic moment.

The game will be played in Los Angeles at the most expensive stadium ever built, costing $5.5 billion. It has all the best amenities to make players comfortable on the field, including a climate-controlled setup, a massive translucent canopy roof, and a 360-degree interactive video board that creates an amazing experience for fans.

South Africa has traveled back and forth from Mexico to the United States throughout the tournament. They opened in Mexico City, played their second match in Atlanta, returned to Mexico for their third match in Monterrey, and now head back to the U.S. for this knockout match in Los Angeles. That makes them one of the most traveled teams in the World Cup to this point.

Canada, in comparison, played all three group-stage matches in its own country, with the opener in Toronto and the next two in Vancouver. That makes the co-hosts one of the least traveled teams in the tournament, along with the other host nations, the United States and Mexico.

To this stage, Canada has had a huge advantage playing at home in front of a sea of red fans. Now, playing in Los Angeles, it will not feel exactly the same, but plenty of Canadian fans should still make the trip south to give them a much-needed boost of support.

The surprise knockout qualifier, Bafana Bafana, is winning the hearts of fans across the U.S. through its team play and technical skill. South Africa may not have entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but they have earned their place in this moment.

South Africa will likely greet Canada with a low-block defensive strategy, looking to counter while also controlling the pace at times. Canada, however, has firepower with Cyle Larin and star forward Jonathan David, who are both capable of striking on goal at the drop of a dime. They are true finishers who do not require much space or time to bury shots in the back of the net.

Although South Africa has scored only two goals in three games and does not play with much flash, they can be stubborn and dangerous when the moment opens up. Their attack can arrive with ambition at the most unexpected time, just as Thapelo Maseko provided the shock winner against South Korea that propelled them to the knockouts.

Jesse Marsch is an excellent coach and will have Canada prepared for the task. Canada and Coach Marsch are also familiar with the stadium, having found success there in CONCACAF and Nations League competitions over the past couple of years. That experience gives Canada some added field advantage.

Marsch will instruct and encourage Canada to play its game and do what it knows best: play for one another, stay focused, and control emotions.

Canada can frustrate South Africa, especially if they drop in an early goal. This is the knockouts, and there is no tomorrow. The team that finds its rhythm and plays with confidence will be the winner.

Expect both teams to play with passion and leave every ounce of energy on the pitch, knowing that playing in a World Cup knockout match is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience.

Pro Paul’s Pick: Canada advances to the Round of 16.

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