Eustaquio’s late strike sinks South Africa as Canada hit last 16
A stoppage-time goal from Stephen Eustaquio secured a 1-0 victory for Canada against South Africa in the opening fixture of the World Cup knockout rounds, marking the co-hosts’ historic first advancement to the last 16. As both teams were competing in the knockout phase for the very first time, the contest seemed destined for extra time until Eustaquio shattered South African hopes with a precise strike from outside the box. Canada, who played in Los Angeles despite their co-host status after not winning their group, is now set to play either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4 in the last 16, while South Africa’s World Cup journey concludes.
Prior to the match, coach Jesse Marsch had highlighted the “X-factor” quality of Canadian star Alphonso Davies, who was once again available following a hamstring injury. However, the Bayern Munich wing-back, despite not having featured in this World Cup previously, was conspicuously missing from the initial squad. Nevertheless, Canada started aggressively, creating numerous opportunities against South Africa’s defensive formation.
During the 22nd minute, a precise free-kick from Eustaquio located Derek Cornelius unmarked on the six-yard line. The Canadian centre-back completely misjudged his header. South Africa posed occasional threats through counter-attacks. Yet, in a frantic spell right before the interval, Canada came incredibly near to scoring. Following a corner kick, Moise Bombito’s header was cleared from the goal line, and then Tajon Buchanan’s subsequent shot was saved by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Shortly thereafter, Khuliso Mudau collided with the formidable Richie Laryea, but the referee dismissed his pleas for a penalty.
This incensed the large Canadian contingent in the crowd, and their boos intensified after the break as South Africa seemed content to circulate deep passes with minimal pressure while time elapsed. A little over an hour into the game, Canada once more threatened to score. Replacement player Niko Sigur delivered a through ball to Tani Oluwaseyi, whose shot was expertly saved by the goalkeeper and then arced towards Jonathan David – however, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi intervened first and made a superb clearance.
During the 75th minute, Davies finally entered the game, greeted by a tremendous roar, and instantly influenced play. Operating from the left wing, Davies located Jonathan David, who then passed the ball to his fellow striker – and unrelated namesake – Promise David, but the subsequent shot missed the target. A short while later, Davies once more linked up with Jonathan David. On this occasion, David attempted a shot from a narrow angle, but Williams blocked it.
During the second minute of added time, Canada ultimately scored, attacking from the opposite side of the field. Jacob Shaffelburg sprinted down the right wing and delivered a cross that was headed away directly to Eustaquio. The midfielder from Porto, currently on loan at Los Angeles FC, controlled the ball with his chest before striking it on the first touch into the bottom-left corner. The Canadian substitutes and staff poured onto the field as the stadium roared, commemorating a momentous triumph.
