Canada reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in history after Stephen Eustaquio scored a stoppage-time winner in a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday.
In a match between two teams making their knockout-stage debuts, Eustaquio struck from outside the box in added time to settle a tense contest that had looked headed for extra time.
Canada, who played in Los Angeles after failing to top their group, will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4. South Africa exited after a spirited run.
Canada dominated early chances, with Derek Cornelius missing a free header and Ronwen Williams denying Moise Bombito and Tajon Buchanan before halftime. South Africa threatened on the counter, while penalty appeals after a challenge on Richie Laryea were waved away.
After the break, Williams continued to frustrate Canada, saving efforts from Tani Oluwaseyi and Jonathan David. Alphonso Davies came off the bench in the 75th minute and immediately lifted Canada’s attack, but Williams again stood firm.
The breakthrough finally came in the second minute of stoppage time when Jacob Shaffelburg’s cross was cleared only to Eustaquio, who controlled it and fired into the bottom-left corner to spark wild celebrations.
