Canada advances to World Cup Round of 16 with 1-0 win
Stephen Eustáquio scored in injury time to send Canada past South Africa on Sunday, setting up a July 4 matchup in Houston.
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Canada's men's national team is heading to the World Cup knockout stages. A late goal from Stephen Eustáquio in injury time secured a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday in Los Angeles, marking Canada's second men's World Cup win ever and its first in the knockout rounds.
Eustáquio was emotional after the match. "Everything I do is for my family," he said. "I do it for parents, for my girlfriend, for my daughter, for my brother, for my friends back home, for all of them."
Canada's path to the goal was tight. A scoreless first half saw both teams trade chances, with Moïse Bombito and Tajon Buchanan denied on a corner kick in the 43rd minute. Derek Cornelius had a header chance in the 21st minute but couldn't convert. In the second half, Tani Oluwaseyi won a race to the ball but South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made the save, and Jonathan David couldn't beat him on the rebound.
Alphonso Davies made his long-awaited return to the pitch in the 74th minute, coming on for Buchanan. While he appeared to lack his trademark speed, the match turned in Canada's favour after he stepped on the field. Coach Jesse Marsch praised the team afterward. "They're Canadian heroes, that's what I told them at the end. They're now Canadian heroes. I'm so happy for them."
Canada will face the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco in the Round of 16 on July 4 in Houston, with the match starting at 10 a.m. PDT.
