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Abayomi Ademola
Canada secured a spectacular place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history after Stephen Eustaquio scored an injury-time winner in a tense 1-0 victory over South Africa in Los Angeles.
With extra time looming in a largely complicated match, Eustaquio produced the decisive moment in the second minute of added time, curling in a superb low shot from the edge of the area that sparked wild celebrations among the home fans.
The victory continues an impressive campaign for the co-hosts, who came into the tournament having lost their previous six World Cup matches. After recording a historic 6-0 victory over Qatar early in the competition, Jesse Marsch’s side have reached the knockout stage for the first time and became the first nation to book a place in the round of 16.
Canada was the most dangerous team throughout and created the best opportunities. Moise Bombito saw Aubrey Modiba’s header cleared off the line, while Jonathan David and Promise David went close after Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies was introduced in the second half.
South Africa, who advanced from Group A, struggled to threaten in attack and managed only one shot on goal during the match. Their resistance was finally broken in injury time when Eustaquio scored the goal that sent Canada to the next round and ended Bafana Bafana’s World Cup campaign.
Canada will now face either Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on July 4 as they continue their remarkable run in the tournament.
