https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
LOS ANGELES, Jun 29 (Alliance News): Stephen Eustaquio became Canada’s national hero on Sunday after scoring a dramatic 92nd-minute winner that secured a historic 1-0 victory over South Africa and sent the World Cup co-hosts into the last 16 for the first time in their history.
In a tense and closely fought knockout-round battle at Los Angeles Stadium, Eustaquio delivered a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area, firing the ball beyond a diving Ronwen Williams to break South Africa’s resistance and spark celebrations among thousands of Canadian supporters.
The victory marked a major milestone for Canada, who had reached the knockout stage for the first time after three World Cup appearances. The co-hosts had entered the match under pressure following a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Switzerland in their final group-stage game but responded with determination and character.
Canada will now face either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a place in the quarter-finals.
“We just kept believing, we kept pushing, and I think we couldn’t have imagined it any other way,” Eustaquio said after the match.
Reflecting on his winning goal, he added, “It was an amazing goal. When I shot it, I felt everybody shot it with me. Everybody put a little bit of power on it, and it went to the back of the net.”
Canada coach Jesse Marsch praised his players’ effort and fighting spirit, calling them national heroes after the historic achievement.
“The hard work from these guys, the character — they’re Canadian heroes. That’s what I told them at the end. They are now Canadian heroes,” Marsch said.
He admitted that Canada struggled to convert earlier opportunities but believed the team deserved the victory.
“We had chances throughout the match but we weren’t lethal enough. Then it falls to Steph, and I just hope he puts it on frame and gives it a chance — and he buries it,” Marsch said.
Tight Contest in Los Angeles
The match began with both teams showing caution, as neither side wanted to make a costly mistake in their first knockout appearance.
South Africa focused on defensive organisation, while Canada attempted to control possession and create openings. Clear chances were limited during the first half, with both teams struggling to find space in the final third.
Canada came closest before halftime when a corner kick created chaos inside the South African penalty area. Moise Bombito’s header appeared destined for the net but was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba before Tajon Buchanan’s follow-up effort was blocked by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Canada’s supporters then appealed for a penalty after Richie Laryea went down inside the box, but after a VAR review, the decision remained unchanged, leading to frustration among Canadian fans.
Coach Marsch continued protesting the decision as both teams headed into the halftime break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Canada increasing pressure while South Africa remained disciplined defensively. The African side appeared comfortable waiting for extra time and the possibility of deciding the match through a penalty shootout.
Canada continued searching for the breakthrough and nearly scored again before the second-half hydration break. Tani Oluwaseyi’s effort was stopped by Williams, and Jonathan David’s attempt from the rebound was denied by an excellent defensive clearance from Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
As the match entered stoppage time, it appeared the contest was heading towards extra time. However, Eustaquio changed everything with one powerful strike that ended Canada’s frustration and sent the home supporters into celebration.
Canada’s Historic Journey Continues
Canada entered the tournament carrying the expectations of a co-host nation and faced several challenges, including injuries and a demanding schedule.
The team received a boost with Bombito returning to the starting lineup, while captain Alphonso Davies made his 2026 World Cup debut after coming off the bench in the second half.
Davies immediately provided energy and creativity, helping Canada maintain pressure during the final stages of the match.
Marsch said he was already preparing for the next challenge and planned to watch the Netherlands versus Morocco match before Canada’s next fixture.
“We’re going to be ready to throw everything we have at a giant,” he said.
South Africa Exit With Pride
Although South Africa’s World Cup journey ended in disappointment, reaching the knockout stage for the first time in four attempts was a historic achievement.
The team showed defensive strength throughout the match but struggled to create attacking opportunities and were punished in the final moments.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena expressed his disappointment after the narrow defeat, saying he believed he could have prevented Canada’s winning goal.
“Everyone is sad. If I had taken three more steps, I could have stopped that shot,” he said.
The match also marked a possible farewell World Cup appearance for South Africa coach Hugo Broos, who at 74 has enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades as both a player and manager.
“I will see in the next days what I will do for the future,” Broos said. “For sure, this is my last World Cup.”
For Canada, however, the dream continues. With history already made, the co-hosts now look ahead to another major challenge as they attempt to extend their remarkable World Cup journey.
