A late, later goal from Eustáquio saw Canada edge out South Africa 1-0, and seal their place in the next round of the knockout stages of the World Cup.
South Africa showed tremendous resolve for 90 minutes or so in Los Angeles, but their defences were breached with seconds to spare. With both teams locked in what seemed to be a stalemate, extra time and penalties seemed to looming large, but Canada’s vice-captain had other ideas, as he rifled home a shot from the edge of the box to seal the win for the Canadians and break the hearts of Bafana Bafana. This progress into the round of 16 marks the furthest Canada has ever made it in a World Cup.
Canada controlled a lot of the possession, but failed to be incisive when it mattered most. The South Africans defended with remarkable discipline as a unit, like their lives depended on it. Even the introduction of Canadian captain Alphonso Davies, who had been laid low by injury, failed to create the desired impact, even though he stretched the defence more often than not.
Eustáquio’s goal sparked wild celebrations in the Canadian camp, and brought despair to the South Africans, who knew they were minutes away from dragging the tie into extra time. Canada, for their part, are looking increasingly comfortable playing on the biggest stage, and will be seriously tested in their next game, as they face the winners of the Morocco-Netherlands showdown. Whether Jesse Marsch can continue to marshal his resources as cleverly, and conjure up yet another win, remains to be seen. For now, Canada celebrates a well-deserved win.
