After Canada’s second of six goals against Qatar 10 days ago, head coach Jesse Marsch unlocked what was depicted online as a “generational meme.” Running down the sideline, smoothly punching the air with his right hand as if he were an over-excited DJ at the decks in Ibiza, it is rather obvious that Marsch cares little for what people think about him. And on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, he made it known beyond all doubt.
Minutes after Stephen Eustaquio’s winner in the second minute of stoppage time sent Canada through to the last-16 at the expense of South Africa, Marsch gathered his 26 players and backroom staff in a small circle on the pitch. Adorned in a Team Canada sweater – with a flag the American would later kiss in celebration – Marsch told his team that they had become “Canadian heroes” after a first-ever World Cup knockout win.
