Canada is through to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the country’s history after Stephen Eustáquio’s dramatic 92nd-minute winner sealed a 1-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the knockout rounds.
The co-hosts dominated the contest in Los Angeles but looked destined for extra time until a headed clearance dropped invitingly to Eustáquio on the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder struck it first time into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Canadian players and supporters.
“We worked a lot to get this victory. We just kept believing and kept pushing. It was an amazing goal,” said Eustáquio, who was named player of the match. “When I shot, I felt everyone shot with me. Everybody put a little bit of power on it, and it went to the back of the net, so I’m very happy.”
Davies returns to lift the co-hosts
The match was a historic occasion in more ways than one: it was the first World Cup knockout tie in which both teams were appearing beyond the group stage for the first time ever. Canada had to win without home soil beneath their feet, after finishing second behind Switzerland in Group B and being sent on the road to California.
Coach Jesse Marsch rang the changes, handing Moise Bombito his first start of the tournament in central defence in place of Luc de Fougerolles, while Liam Millar returned on the left wing and Tani Oluwaseyi led the line. The biggest lift, though, came from the bench: Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, who had missed all three group matches, was introduced in the 75th minute and immediately raised the tempo with his attacking runs.
Canada’s best first-half chance came in the 44th minute when Bombito’s header from a corner was cleared off the goal line by South Africa defender Aubrey Modiba, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams then making a point-blank stop from Tajon Buchanan in the scramble that followed.
Bafana Bafana’s brave run ends
South Africa, who reached the knockouts after finishing runners-up in Group A, defended with discipline throughout. Hugo Broos, who at 74 years and 79 days became the oldest coach in World Cup knockout history, restored Teboho Mokoena to the starting line-up after his suspension, but his side was ultimately undone by one moment of quality.
“We were disappointed to have to leave Canada, given the fanfare and passion around everything for the World Cup and our team,” Marsch admitted. “But the guys quickly refocused and knew that this was a massive opportunity.”
Canada will now face the winner of the Round of 32 tie between the Netherlands and Morocco in the last 16 in Houston. Eustáquio sent an early warning to both potential opponents: “We will try to make Morocco and the Netherlands see our game and feel that if they go through, they’re going to get the hardest game they’re going to face in this World Cup.”
Source: The Eastleigh Voice