It was long and dragged out, at times frustrating to watch, but Canada dug deep to find a goal in stoppage time to defeat South Africa 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Stephen Eustáquio scored in the 92nd minute, sending Canadian fans into a frenzy. Canada becomes the first team in the World Cup to qualify for the Round of 16, which Canada will play on July 4.
For the first Round of 32 match, it began quite open with both sides looking for spaces behind defenders. South Africa targetted Alistair Johnston as a player they could attack, but the Canadian right-back handled it well during the opening of the match.
Canada worked the ball well into their opposition’s 18-yard box with their limited possession. However, their opportunities were lacking and simple for South Africa’s keeper, Ronwen Williams, to handle.
All in all, it was a scrappy first half, rife with mistakes from both sides. Both teams seemed to have difficulty with the pitch, as players slipped on a number of occasions.
Canada’s best chance came at the end of the half from a Eustáquio corner. Moïse Bombito got his head on it, but it was held off the line. Tajon Buchanan and Derek Cornelius both had swipes at the ball, but neither could get enough of a connection to get it over the line.
There was also a late penalty challenge as Richie Laryea was brought down in the box. It looked as though the South African defender did not get a piece of the ball, but it was inconclusive, and VAR chose not to overturn the call on the pitch.
It remained nil-nil as players headed down the tunnel.
The second half started with South Africa holding the bulk of possession as in the first, but with little to show for it. Neither side really challenged the other, and the game seemed to descend into lethargy.
But Tani Oluwaseyi had Canadian fans off their seats with a great chance in the 65th minute. Niko Sigur’s through ball from midfield was directly into the path of the streaking striker, who got a solid shot off.
Williams saved it, but the rebound stayed in, and Jonathan David tried to get to it only to be held off by Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Still, the sequence served to wake up the crowd, who had started to take matters into their own hands to entertain themselves.
The Canadian fans in attendance at Los Angeles Stadium were also given a boost when Alphonso Davies finally came onto the pitch in the 76th minute. It was the first minutes of the World Cup for Canada’s captain.
And immediately Davies made an impact. The intensity ramped up, and his first few balls into both Promise David and Jonathan David were progressive and started dangerous chances.
But in the end, Canada had to rely on the footy gods operating through their former captain, Eustáquio. Eustáquio sent fans in Los Angeles and across Canada into elation when he scored in the 92nd minute.
Jacob Shaffelburg’s shot was blocked inside the 18-yard box, but the rebound could not get past Eustáquio. The veteran midfielder’s shot from just outside the box beat Williams on the far side.
Canada had to hold on for the final minutes of stoppage time as South Africa fought for the tying goal, but it was too late. The co-hosts moved on to the Round of 16, a decisive achievement for the men’s football program.
“You are all Canadian Heroes”
Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch said these words to players, coaches, trainers and staff at the end of the match. He called on the image of young boys and girls watching this moment and how much it would mean to them to see this and wonder.
Eustáquio, as the key player, was more than just his goal. He completed 43 of his 48 passes (90 per cent), had 67 touches, five defensive contributions, three tackles and six recoveries.
Time and time again, Eustáquio has been a leader of this Canadian men’s program. Even when he gave his captaincy to Davies, he remained an integral part of this squad and a leader even without the armband.
Up next
Canada has to wait to see who their Round of 16 opponent will be in the World Cup. They will face either the Netherlands or Morocco.
That Round of 16 match is on July 4 at Houston Stadium.
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