Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner for co-hosts Canada as they beat South Africa 1-0 to become the first team to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The game looked to be petering out to extra-time and possibly penalties following a stoic defensive performance from South Africa until Eustaquio chested the ball down inside the box and nestled his half volley into the far corner to finally beat Ronwen Williams in the 92nd minute.
The match-winning moment came after Canada had been thwarted at every given chance by South Africa with Moise Bombito’s header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s heroic challenge denied Jonathan David a simple header with the goal gaping.
“You guys showing your character, you guys are Canadian heroes now,” said Canada boss Jesse Marsch to his players at full-time. “Canadian heroes, for the future children of this country.”
Moise Bombito reacts after he is denied a goal against South Africa
Canada also felt they should have had a penalty when Richie Laryea went down following a challenge from Khuliso Mudau inside the area just before the break, but, following a VAR review, the on-field decision was confirmed.
Replays showed a small touch on the ball from Mudau before making contact with Laryea but that did not tame the half-time reaction from Canada head coach Marsch, who had to be ushered away from the match officials by his own players.
His reaction at full-time following the late winner was in stark contrast to the 45-minute whistle, as he and his squad celebrated their World Cup dream continuing. They can now look ahead to their last-16 match against Morocco or Netherlands in Houston on July 4.
The key moments from Los Angeles…
- 44: OFF THE LINE! Bombito’s header for Canada cleared off the line by Modiba.
- 45: NO PENALTY! Laryea goes down following Mudau’s challenge but VAR sticks with the on-field decision.
- 65: CHANCE! Williams denies Tanu Oluwaseyi and Mbokazi clears the second ball away from David with a heroic tackle.
- 90+2: GOAL! Eustaquio nets dramatic late winner in the 92nd minute for Canada.
Marsch labels players ‘Canadian heroes’
Jesse Marsch speaking to his players after full-time:
“We talked about sticking to the plan, sticking to who we want to be. Playing aggressive, accessing the qualities.
“You guys showing your character, you guys are Canadian heroes now. Canadian heroes, for the future children of this country.
“This sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are, because of this game.”
Canada celebrate late winner!
Eustaquio is mobbed by his Canada team-mates
Canada players celebrate Eustaquio’s winner
Eustaquio enjoyed a superb game for Canada
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch (centre) celebrates the victory
Analysis: Eustaquio steps up for Canada
Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe:
Stephen Eustaquio returned to the starting line-up for Canada for this game – and he won’t be leaving anytime soon.
The midfielder created five chances from set-pieces alone, joint with Andrea Pirlo for the most in a knockout game at the World Cup, and had five key passes to go alongside that.
Canada were the better side throughout but it always felt like a game where a moment of magic was needed after being frustrated by South Africa for much of the fixture. Eustaquio did that perfectly with time ticking down in the game and pressure mounting on his side.
To execute on that stage, in that manner and with that quality is worthy of the “Canadian hero” tag given to him by his head coach Jesse Marsch.
This game was the first knockout game at the World Cup forever and their supporters and players now have a moment that will last forever.
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