India, June 29 -- "Football is not just about tactics and some people tend to forget that." Jesse Marsch did not say that, Bruno Metsu did. But Canada head coach Marsch's speech after the 1-0 win against South Africa on Sunday stoked memories of Senegal minder Metsu in the 2002 World Cup. And of Herve Renard who made Zambia African champions and beat Argentina with Saudi Arabia.

In 2022, Canada were a saved Alphonso Davies penalty against Belgium away from their first World Cup goal. Davies made amends against Croatia but Canada lost 1-4. Canada's World Cup, their first since 1986, ended with a 2-1 defeat to Morocco.

Nearly four years later at home, Canada earned their first point, their first win and a first win in the knockout round o...