Canada vs South Africa FIFA World Cup match results. Stephen Eustaquio’s late stunner fires Canada into historic WC last-16 | Football News:
A stunning 92nd-minute volley from midfielder Stephen Eustaquio propelled co-hosts Canada to a historic 1-0 win over South Africa at SoFi Stadium on Sunday night, sealing the country’s first knockout match win in World Cup history.In a tense, high-stakes battle that seemed destined for extra time, Eustaquio, who plays club football locally for Los Angeles FC, became the ultimate hero in town. In the second minute of stoppage time, Alistair Johnston’s high ball into the box was cleared directly into the path of the midfielder, who smashed a stunning first-time volley from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner of Ronwen Williams’ net.The dramatic goal sparked wild celebrations, and after Canada held on for a tumultuous final minutes, emotional head coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players in a post-match huddle, proudly declaring: “You are Canada’s heroes!” With this win, Canada will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday, July 4.Canada played its three group games at home in Toronto and Vancouver but was forced to play on the road after a 2-1 loss to Switzerland. However, they remain huge crowd favorites in Los Angeles, supported by traveling supporters and local LAFC fans wearing Eustáquio jerseys.Canada dominated the goal-scoring opportunities, but underdog South Africa, fresh off a historic 1-0 win over South Korea, defended resolutely. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made five crucial saves to keep Bafana Bafana level.The game was turned upside down in the 75th minute when Canadian superstar Alphonso Davies made his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the group stage. Playing in the same stadium where he suffered a serious knee injury in March 2025, the Bayern Munich defender immediately provided a spark, opening up the South African defense to set up Promise David, who uncharacteristically fired wide.In the end, it was Eustáquio’s late brilliance that broke South Africa’s resistance, keeping Canada’s World Cup aspirations alive.
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