Canada advances to World Cup Round of 16 with last-minute win

Stephen Eustáquio scored in the second minute of stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory for Canada over South Africa on Sunday, June 28, sending the national team to the Round of 16 in the first men's World Cup knockout game in Canada's history.

Canada will now travel to Houston to face the winner of Monday's match between Morocco and the Netherlands on July 4. The game was played in Los Angeles.

Coach Jesse Marsch deployed his fastest players throughout the match. Canada's press was intense early, but South Africa's methodical, counter-attacking approach gradually slowed the pace. Canada's best chance in the first half came on a corner kick when Moïse Bombito's header was cleared off the line and Tajon Buchanan's follow-up was saved by Ronwen Williams.

In the second half, Tani Oluwaseyi had a semi-breakaway opportunity in the midway point but his shot was saved by Williams. Jonathan David, positioned to follow up, did not convert. Alphonso Davies made his first appearance for Canada in more than a year as Marsch brought in waves of substitutes. When Davies arrived, Eustáquio, who had been wearing the captain's armband, handed it over.

Eustáquio's winning goal came from well outside the box, a precise volley that changed everything for Canada's tournament.