Davies Cleared: Canada's Star Ready for World Cup Knockouts

Alphonso Davies, Canada's captain, is now healthy and available to play in the World Cup knockout rounds, coach Jesse Marsch announced on Saturday. Davies had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, which he sustained three times in the past four months. Marsch admitted to using Davies as a decoy during group play, a strategic decision to manage his injury and potentially influence opponents' game plans.

Marsch stated that Davies is ready to perform at the highest level, emphasizing his importance to the team. The decision to hold Davies back was made in his best interests and career longevity. Davies himself expressed his frustration at missing games but understood the reasoning. Canada faces South Africa on Sunday, seeking its first-ever World Cup knockout-round victory. The team is playing in Los Angeles after a loss to Switzerland sent them to this location.