CanMNT kicks off knockout rounds with stoppage time winner

The GIST: The World Cup (WC) knockout rounds began yesterday when Canada kicked off the Round of 32 with a bit of history — and there’s more to be made as the remaining 30 squads fight for a berth to the Round of 16 today through Friday.

• Unlike last week’s group stage, the tournament is win-or-go-home from here on out, meaning one decision can be the difference between WC glory and a shocking crashout. Can’t wait.

🇨🇦 As you read, CanMNT punched their ticket to the Round of 16 thanks to a stoppage time goal from midfielder Stephen Eustáquio for a 1–0 victory over South Africa yesterday. This marks the first knockout round win for the CanMNT in a tournament that already saw their first WC point, first WC win, and the most goals ever scored by a CONCACAF nation in a single game. Heroes, indeed.

🥊Twelve teams are vying today and tomorrow to join Canada in the Round of 16. Here are the games to plan your week around:

• 🇧🇷 Brazil vs. 🇯🇵 Japan — Today at 1 p.m. ET: Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior has been dancing through defenses (and AirPod ads) this tourney, but a disciplined Japanese squad will try to disrupt his rhythm and earn their first-ever WC knockout-round win.

• 🇳🇱 Netherlands vs. 🇲🇦 Morocco — Tonight at 9 p.m. ET: Both the Netherlands and Morocco were pre-tournament contenders to become first-time WC winners. The Oranje offense has impressed thus far, but the Atlas Lions know how to counter a high press.

• 🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire vs. 🇳🇴 Norway — Tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET: A rested and ready Norway will try to row their way into the Round of 16, but if Côte d’Ivoire can slow down the tempo, they have the talent to exploit a so-so Norwegian defense on set pieces and counterattacks.