Canada beat South Africa 1-0 to reach World Cup last 16
Canada secured their place in the Round of 16 in dramatic fashion as Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time winner sealed a late victory over South Africa.
Stephen Eustaquio's stoppage-time winner fired Canada to a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, sending the co-hosts into the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in their history.
With both nations making their knockout-stage debut, the match looked destined for extra time until Eustaquio rifled a first-time strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area to break South African hearts.
Jesse Marsch's Canada side will look to continue their historic World Cup run against either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16 in Houston on July 4, while South Africa's World Cup campaign comes to an end.
Canada dominated much of the contest but were repeatedly denied. Derek Cornelius headed wide from a Stephen Eustaquio free-kick, while Ronwen Williams produced a string of saves and Mbekezeli Mbokazi made a crucial goal-line clearance to keep South Africa level.
Alphonso Davies made his first appearance of the tournament in the 75th minute after recovering from a hamstring injury and quickly helped raise Canada's attacking threat.
The breakthrough finally arrived in stoppage time when Jacob Shaffelburg's cross was only partially cleared to Eustaquio, who controlled the ball with his chest before firing a superb first-time finish beyond Williams to spark wild celebrations.
