South Africa v Canada: World Cup last 32 predictions, best bets and odds

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Few would have bet on South Africa reaching the round of 32 at this World Cup. Bafana Bafana had a very tough start to the tournament, marked by a 2-0 defeat to Mexico and two red cards.

However, Hugo Broos’s players managed to snatch a 1-1 draw against Czechia before beating South Korea 1-0. With four points, they finished second in their group and qualified directly for the next stage of the competition.

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They will now face Canada, who also finished second in their group. The tournament hosts (along with Mexico and the USA) drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina before thrashing Qatar 6-0. They then suffered a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland.

Here are our three tips for this match.

South Africa v Canada tips

Canada to qualify @ 8/25 with bet365

Over 1.5 goals in this match @ 8/25 with bet365

Jonathan David to be decisive in this match @ 8/11 with bet365

Odds correct at the time of publication, but may change.

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Canada to qualify for the next round

Canada made a slow start to this World Cup, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, they responded well, giving a completely outclassed Qatar side no chance in a 6-0 victory. That emphatic win secured second place in Group B thanks to a far superior goal difference.

Against Switzerland, Canada had an average first half, as did the Nati. However, over the final 20 minutes, they showed they have what it takes to go further in this tournament. In this round of 16 clash, they face a South Africa side that appears well within their reach.

Bafana Bafana looked as though they were heading for an early exit after losing 1-0 to Mexico, with two players sent off, before drawing 1-1 with Czechia.

With just one point from their opening two matches, their chances of progressing looked slim. However, they secured their place in the knockout stage by beating South Korea thanks to a goal midway through the second half.

Overall, South Africa have not been particularly convincing. At times, they have looked lost on the pitch, as they did against Mexico.

Canada, by contrast, appear much more organised, and the way they finished against Switzerland is an encouraging sign. We're backing the hosts to qualify.

Tip: Canada to qualify @ 8/25 with bet365

Explanation: You win if Canada qualify for the next round.

Over 1.5 goals in this match

Thanks to their emphatic win over Qatar, Canada currently boast one of the most potent attacks at this World Cup. They have scored eight goals in three matches while conceding three, averaging 3.6 goals per game. More broadly, each of Canada's last five matches has produced at least two goals.

What about South Africa? Three of Bafana Bafana's last four matches have also seen two or more goals scored. Two of those four games came at this tournament, against Mexico and Czechia.

Overall, we're happy to follow the trend and back another match featuring at least two goals. The odds offered by bet365 are attractive at 8/25. This selection can be backed on its own or combined with the previous tip.

Tip: Over 1.5 goals in this match @ 8/25 with bet365

Explanation: You win if two or more goals are scored in this match.

Jonathan David, the X factor

Jonathan David is the X factor for this Canadian side. While the striker struggled against Switzerland, he was in outstanding form against Qatar, scoring a hat-trick.

Against a South Africa team that conceded 12 shots to Czechia and 16 to Mexico, he could have the opportunity to make the difference.

The former Lille forward knows exactly where the goal is. He has already scored 42 times for his country and, in his current form, knows just how important he will be for his team.

His teammates, particularly Saliba and Buchanan, will have the task of supplying him with quality passes, ideally in behind, so he can make the most of his pace.

For this match, we're backing him to be decisive. This bet is a winner if David scores at any time or provides an assist for one of his teammates.

Tip: Jonathan David to be decisive in this match @ 8/11 with bet365

Explanation: You win if Jonathan David is decisive in this match (goal or assist).

South Africa v Canada: Match result odds

South Africa win @ 9/2 with bet365

Draw @ 11/4 with bet365

Canada win @ 4/6 with bet365

Odds correct at the time of publication, but may change.