LOS ANGELES — Coach Jesse Marsch hailed his “Canadian heroes” for making history by reaching the World Cup last 16 on Sunday, describing their upcoming clash with either the Netherlands or Morocco as a “free hit.”

Co-hosts Canada entered this tournament having lost all six games across two previous World Cup appearances, but are now the first team to reach the second knockout round thanks to a 1-0 win over South Africa.

Marsch gathered his squad on the pitch straight after the last-gasp win to tell the players “you are Canadian heroes” in a bombastic team talk that quickly went viral online.

Speaking to reporters after the game, American Marsch said he had wanted to “voice to them how important a moment this will prove to be for the sport in the country.”

“There are people who like to say it’s performative to meet on the pitch, and frankly, I don’t give a shit what people have to say,” said Marsch.

“Like, all I care about is our own team and what we do together.”

Canada came second in their group after losing to Switzerland. It was enough to progress to the knockout stages for the first time in the history of a country more known for ice hockey.

But failing to top the group deprived Canada of the chance to stay in Vancouver for the tournament’s next phase.

“We were disappointed to have to leave Canada, given the fanfare and passion around everything for the World Cup and our team,” admitted Marsch.

“But the guys quickly refocused and knew that this was a massive opportunity.”

Marsch said his team was very familiar with playing in the United States, which has hosted recent editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa America, as well as Canadian friendlies.

Large parts of Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium were a sea of red. The team’s next stop is Houston for the round of 16.