Stephen Eustaquio scored the winning goal in stoppage time for Canada when they defeated South Africa 1-0 and became the first team to secure a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The game looked set to go to extra time and penalties following some incredible defending from South Africa until Eustaquio put the ball in the middle of the box and put his half volley into the far corner to beat Ronwen Williams in the 92nd minute.
This moment to win the game came after Canada was blocked by South Africa with every opportunity when South Africa headed Aubrey Modiba’s ball with his head, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s header Jonathan David just hit the gap with his head.
“You guys who show character, you’re the heroes of Canada now,” said Canada manager Jesse Marsch addressing his players in full. “Canada’s heroes, for the future children of this country.”
Canada also felt they should have had a penalty when Richie Laryea went down following a challenge from Khuliso Mudau inside the area just before the break, but, after a VAR review, the on-field decision was upheld.
Replays showed a slight touch on the ball by Mudau before he made contact with Laryea but that did not dampen the reaction of Canadian coach Marsch, who had to be pulled from the referees by his players.
Full scenes but very different from the events during the break. After calling his players heroes after the final whistle, Marsch joined them in their celebrations with supporters and the team will now look ahead to their last 16 match against Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on July 4.
Highlights from Los Angeles…
- 44: NOT SUCCESSFUL! Bombito’s goal that was aimed at Canada was canceled out by Modiba.
- 45: NO PUNISHMENT! Laryea goes down following Mudau’s challenge but VAR upholds the decision made on the field.
- 65: OPPORTUNITY! Williams denies Tanu Oluwaseyi and Mbokazi clears the second ball released by David with a heroic ball.
- 90+2: GOAL! Eustaquio scores a surprise late winner in the 92nd minute for Canada.
Marsch labels players ‘Canadian heroes’
Jesse Marsch speaking to his players after full-time:
“We talked about sticking to the plan, sticking to what we want to be. Playing aggressively, reaching qualities.
“You who show character, you are the heroes of Canada now. The heroes of Canada, of the future children of this country.
“This game has a great future because of you guys. You should be proud of who you are, because of this game.”
Canada celebrates a late winner!
Eustaquio is slaughtered by his Canadian colleagues
Canadian players celebrate Eustaquio’s win
Eustaquio enjoyed Canada’s best game
Canada coach Jesse Marsch (centre) celebrates the win
Analysis: Eustaquio travels to Canada
Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe:
Stephen Eustaquio is back in Canada’s starting lineup for this game – and he won’t be leaving anytime soon.
The midfielder created five chances from set-pieces on his own, alongside Andrea Pirlo as many in the World Cup play-offs, and had five key passes to go along with that.
Canada was the better team but it always felt like a game where magic was needed after being overwhelmed by South Africa for most of the game. Eustaquio did that well later in the game with the pressure mounting on his side.
To perform on that stage, in that manner and with that quality deserves the label “Canadian hero” given to him by his head coach Jesse Marsch.
This game was the first ever World Cup playoff game and the supporters and players now have a moment that will last forever.
