INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Stephen Eustáquio struck deep into stoppage time to send co-host Canada into the FIFA World Cup round of 16 for the first time with a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday.
The midfielder, who plays professionally for Los Angeles FC, unleashed a superb volley from outside the penalty area in the second minute of second-half stoppage time to finally break the deadlock at SoFi Stadium after a tense, evenly contested knockout clash.
The historic victory gives Canada its first-ever win in the knockout stage of a men’s World Cup and books a round-of-16 meeting with either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4.
After the final whistle, an emotional Canada coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players into a huddle to celebrate the milestone.
“You guys are Canadian heroes,” Marsch told his squad. “Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport. This sport has a big future because of you guys.”
Canada dominated much of the contest and created the better chances, but South Africa’s disciplined defense and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams frustrated the hosts until Eustáquio’s late moment of brilliance.
“We never stopped believing,” Eustáquio said. “I think the goal is really something that we deserved.”
Williams made five saves to keep South Africa in the match, while Bafana Bafana also threatened on several occasions in search of another historic result after reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.
“We lost the game because there was a lack of power and speed in our team when I compare that with our opponent,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said. “We are disappointed because we wanted to win, but we don’t have to be too disappointed. What we did was good, and I’m very happy and proud of my team.”
Canada finally found the breakthrough after Alistair Johnston’s long ball into the penalty area was only partially cleared. The ball fell perfectly for Eustáquio, who controlled it with his chest before firing an unstoppable volley into the bottom corner.
Canada also received a major boost in the 75th minute with the return of Alphonso Davies, who made his first appearance of the tournament after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Bayern Munich defender immediately influenced the match, producing an excellent pass that set up Promise David, whose effort drifted wide.
Canada had advanced from the group stage after finishing second behind Switzerland, while South Africa reached the knockout rounds for the first time following a landmark victory over South Korea in its final group match.
The win keeps alive Canada’s dream run on home soil as the co-hosts continue their best-ever World Cup campaign.
Source: Saudi Gazette