Canada edges South Africa to reach first World Cup round of 16
LOS ANGELES — Canada made history on Monday, reaching the World Cup round of 16 for the first time with a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa in the opening knockout match of the tournament. Stephen Eustáquio scored in second-half stoppage time at SoFi Stadium to send the co-hosts through and spark emotional celebrations.
Eustáquio, who captained Canada, controlled a clearance and fired a powerful volley into the bottom corner deep into added time. The midfielder, who has overcome personal tragedy in recent years, was overcome with emotion after the match.
"We worked a lot to get this victory, we really wanted to give this win to all the Canadians and we kept believing, we kept pushing," he said. "It was an amazing goal, but when I shot, I felt that everybody shot with me. Everybody put a little bit of power on it and it went into the back of the net."
Canada had dominated much of the match but were repeatedly denied by South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who made five saves to keep Bafana Bafana in the contest. South Africa defended resolutely and threatened on the counterattack but managed just one shot on target.
Canada also welcomed back star defender Alphonso Davies, who made his first appearance of the tournament after recovering from a hamstring injury. His introduction added energy to the attack before Eustáquio finally broke the deadlock.
Historic milestone for both teams
It was a landmark occasion for both nations, as Canada and South Africa made their first appearances in a World Cup knockout match. Both teams finished second in their respective groups with identical 1-1-1 records.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch praised his players, calling them "Canadian heroes" and saying the future of the sport in the country is huge because of them. He had earlier stressed the importance of concentration and discipline in knockout games.
South Africa last qualified for the World Cup in 2002; their appearance in 2010 came as hosts. Despite the loss, head coach Hugo Broos expressed pride in his squad's performance.
"Nobody expected us to be in the second round," said Broos. "They only hoped that we'd get there. But when we look back, I think we can be very satisfied with what we did at the World Cup."
Broos, who led Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title, added: "I'm still proud of my team. We did it very well in this World Cup even though we're out of the tournament. I know why we are out and this is something we have to work on in the next months and years."
Canada's next challenge
Canada will face the winner of the last-32 clash between the Netherlands and Morocco, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. The match will be played in Houston.
Broos offered his assessment of Canada's prospects, noting that they play good football and are powerful and fast. "It's a rather modern team," he said. "And with the mentality that is in that team, they can cause a surprise."
He also reflected on the changing nature of the game, saying: "Modern football is more than technique. Modern football is power, speed. And when you don't have it in your team and you play against the team who has it, then it's difficult."