Derided by Leeds, snubbed by USA - but Marsch becoming Canada hero

Derided by Leeds, snubbed by USA - but Marsch becoming Canada heroImage source, AFP via Getty ImagesByGary RoseBBC Sport journalist in Los AngelesPublished3 minutes agoJesse Marsch's name will forever be in the history books.He has earned sporting immortality by leading Canada into the knockouts of a World Cup for the first time - and on Sunday they will look to go further when they face South Africa in Los Angeles for a place in the last 16.It is an impressive achievement for a coach who has overcome some difficult moments in his career.The American lasted less than a year in the Premier League as Leeds boss and was snubbed for the role as United States head coach, despite feeling he was certain to get it.But by guiding Canada through the group stage, overseeing a 6-0 thumping of Qatar, Marsch is well on the way to achieving his goal of making Canada a footballing nation.How Marsch transformed CanadaImage source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, Jesse Marsch has developed a close bond with his Canada playersWhen Marsch kept Leeds in the Premier League on the final day of the 2022-23 season, he could hardly have envisaged he would be sacked a few months later. But that is what happened after a run of seven games without a win, with Marsch later describing the decision as "foolish".It was a significant setback for the 52-year-old, who had long held an ambition to coach at the highest level. But another chance came in 2024, with the USA job.The chance to manage his home country would have been a dream come true but, despite believing the job was his, the USA hierarchy decided instead to go with Mauricio Pochettino.Then came Canada.Marsch was offered the position in May 2024 and he took it with the promise he would "unite the Canadian soccer community", with the goal of having them ready to be competitive for the 2026 World Cup."I think what happened with the USA role burns with him, but it burns with him in a way that helps him now,&quo...