Stephen Eustáquio produced what may be the biggest moment in Canadian men’s soccer history on Sunday, scoring in the 92nd minute to give Canada a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Eustáquio buried his shot after a headed clearance fell right in front of him at the top of the penalty box, sending the co-hosts into the Round of 16 in extraordinary fashion.
The match was a tense, hard-fought affair at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with neither side creating much early on as both teams felt each other out.
South Africa, playing conservatively for long stretches, frustrated Canada’s attack throughout, while Canada whose 22 on-target attempts during the group stage tied with France and Germany for the most found themselves unable to break through until that late, decisive moment.
Captain Alphonso Davies, who had missed the entire group stage with a hamstring injury, made his tournament debut and immediately provided a spark when introduced as a substitute.
The result is historic for both nations, as neither Canada nor South Africa had ever reached the knockout stage of a World Cup before this tournament.
Canada will now advance to face the winner of Monday’s Round of 32 match between Morocco and the Netherlands on July 4 in Houston. For the co-hosts, the dream of a deep run on home soil very much remains alive.
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