Canada are into the World Cup last 16 after a 1-0 win over South Africa, sealed by Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute goal. The co-hosts had been frustrated for long spells before the midfielder produced the decisive finish at SoFi Stadium.
South Africa’s defensive resistance shaped much of the knockout tie. Aubrey Modiba cleared a Moise Bombito header off the line, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi made a crucial intervention to prevent Jonathan David from converting a close-range chance.
Canada also had a first-half penalty appeal checked after Richie Laryea went down following Khuliso Mudau’s challenge, but VAR upheld the original no-penalty decision. The late breakthrough changed the tone completely, turning a tense contest into a landmark result for Jesse Marsch’s side.
Eustaquio’s wider performance stood out beyond the goal, with the supplied report crediting him with five set-piece chances created and five key passes. Canada will now prepare to face either Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on July 4, with human editors advised to cross-check the fixture details before publication.
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