'You are Canadian heroes' - the forgotten hosts making World Cup history

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'You are Canadian heroes' - the forgotten hosts making World Cup history Figure caption, Canada into last 16 with late winner against South AfricaByGary RoseBBC Sport journalist at Los Angeles StadiumPublished3 hours agoMinutes after the final whistle was blown on Canada's historic World Cup victory against South Africa on Sunday, coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players and staff in a huge huddle and delivered some words of inspiration to them. "Canadian heroes," he called his team after they won a knockout game at the tournament for the first time to reach the last 16. "The future of the sport in this country is huge because of you.

"Marsch is known for grandiose comments - exaggerated and emotional statements delivered to provide maximum impact. But his words here ring true - the sport in the country is changing. "It is starting to become known as football now, not soccer," one fan told Sport before the match.

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"Canada is becoming a football nation. "That was the objective Marsch set out to achieve when he became Canada boss two years ago, a goal that at the time seemed highly unlikely for a country whose first love is widely regarded as ice hockey. Mexico hosted this World Cup's opener while the USA stages the final.

Attention has been far greater on the two in the build-up, leaving Canada as something like the forgotten co-host. But Canada quietly went about its business, building interest and passion for the tournament and their national team from within. The country's captain, Alphonso Davies, is used to large, football-mad crowds playing for Bayern Munich and in the Champions League.

However, he has noticed the change in Canada since the World Cup got under way, and said he cried at seeing so many fans clad in red and white in Toronto for their opening game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. "It was surreal because I've never seen so many Canadians at a football match before," he said before the win against South Africa. "It brought tears to my eyes.

What Experts Say

"Derided by Leeds, snubbed by USA - but Marsch becoming Canada hero Published15 hours ago'An important moment for the sport in Canada'Image source, via Getty ImagesImage caption, Thousands packed out fan zones in Canada to cheer on their national teamIt should not be played down just how impressive Canada's performance at this World Cup has been. Before this tournament their record was played six and lost six but they immediately picked up a historic point with a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina. That was followed up by a first-ever World Cup win as they thrashed Qatar 6-0 to seal their place in the knockouts.

A defeat by Switzerland denied them the opportunity to play their last-32 game in Canada but their fans travelled in huge numbers to cheer them on in Los Angeles. This was the first time in history a World Cup host had played a match outside their own country, but nevertheless it felt like they were the home team against South Africa - given their large and vocal support.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.