World Cup co-hosts Canada became the first team safely into the last 16 of the tournament on Sunday thanks to a 1-0 victory over South Africa. The fixture between the two sides in Los Angeles was the only game of Day 18 as the action slowed right down at the start of the knockout phase. Yet it was worth the wait for Jesse Marsch’s side as they kept their World Cup dreams alive with a narrow win.
Eustaquio the hero for Canada
Canada had the better of the chances in a low-quality game which saw both sides struggle to find a cutting
edge in attack despite plenty of endeavor.
The co-hosts even appealed in vain for a penalty right at the end of the first half when Richie Laryea went down in the penalty area but referee Joao Pinheiro waved away the appeals, leave Marsch a very frustrated figure on the touchline.
With both teams toiling on the pitch, there was at least some entertainment provided in the crowd as one fan waved goodbye to her cell phone while trying to join in with the Mexican Wave.
Back to matters on the pitch, and South Africa were indebted to Aubrey Modiba and Mbekezeli Mbokazi for keeping the scores level.
Canada introduced Alphonso Davies late on in the match for his World Cup debut and the Bayern star received a warm welcome. With the game seemingly heading for extra-time and penalties, it was time for a hero and Canada duly obliged.
Stephen Eustáquio came up clutch to rifle home a low shot across goal and into the far corner in the 92nd minute to win the game, send Canada through and spark wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stadium.
Canada can now celebrate making it into the last 16 of a World Cup for the very first time and will be keep keeping a close eye on Morocco’s last 32 tie with the Netherlands. The winner of that match will face Canada for a place in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Houston.
