A 2-1 defeat to Switzerland at BC Place on Wednesday has forced co-hosts Canada to leave their home country for the World Cup knockout stages, after finishing second in Group B. Jesse Marsch’s side will now travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa on Sunday, a four-day turnaround that compounds the disappointment of losing the chance to play in Vancouver through the last 16.
Canada had needed only a draw to top the group and remain in Vancouver for the last 32 and potentially a last-16 tie. Instead, Switzerland took the initiative with a 12-minute burst at the start of the second half, Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scoring the goals that secured top spot.
“Canada lose home advantage after 2-1 defeat to Switzerland, forcing last-32 trip to Los Angeles.”
Marsch admitted after the game that he had used captain Alphonso Davies as a “decoy” in the build-up, having guaranteed the Bayern Munich star would make his first appearance of the tournament. “Alphonso wasn’t ready yet so I was using him a little bit as a decoy,” the former Leeds boss said. “I wanted Switzerland to have to think about it.” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin was unmoved: “Right now we only react on what is happening on the pitch.”
Canada had already made history by qualifying from the group stage for the first time, but the manner of the exit left mixed emotions. Striker Jonathan David told Sports Illustrated: “We’re a bit disappointed and it’s mixed emotions. Obviously, we wanted to stay in Vancouver, so not getting that is a blow for everyone.”
Marsch acknowledged the setback but tried to look ahead: “We wanted to be here in Vancouver, but we still have a massive opportunity ahead of us to find a way to push for the next match and electrify the nation, even though it’ll be from Los Angeles.”
The schedule has drawn criticism from broadcaster Kristian Jack, who said the round-of-32 fixtures could have been arranged so that Canada did not have to leave the country: “It could have easily been organised where Canada may have had to go to Toronto … to stay here [in Canada].”
Injuries have also hit Canada hard. Midfielder Ismaël Koné, who had his leg shattered six days earlier at the same venue, was wheeled in off the team bus on crutches and hobbled along the sideline to a huge ovation. Stephen Eustáquio was not fit enough to start, forcing Marsch to deploy both Nathan Saliba and Mathieu Choinière in midfield. Against Granit Xhaka and a richly experienced Swiss midfield, it proved a decisive blow.