Eustaquio's Last-Minute Winner Sends Canada to Round of 16 After Defeating South Africa

▲ Canadian players celebrate a goal

Canada, one of the co-hosts of the 2026 North and Central American World Cup, has become the first team to reach the Round of 16 after defeating South Africa.

In the Round of 32 match held at Los Angeles Stadium in California, USA, today (June 29), Canada secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory thanks to a dramatic winning goal by Stephen Eustaquio in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.

Having advanced to the Round of 32 as the runner-up of Group B, Canada had already achieved its first-ever knockout stage appearance in World Cup history. Now, by defeating South Africa, they have the added joy of being the first team to advance to the Round of 16 in this tournament.

On the other hand, South Africa, which barely made it to the Round of 32 as the runner-up of Group A, had to settle for their first-ever knockout stage appearance following today's loss.

Although Canada trailed in ball possession at 42% to 58%, they dominated in shots, recording 12 (7 on target) compared to South Africa's 6 (1 on target).

The two teams clashed fiercely from the beginning of the first half, with Canada launching an offensive starting with a mid-range shot by Eustaquio in the 7th minute.

In the 44th minute, following a left-side corner kick, a header from Moise Bombito in front of the goal hit a South African defender. Subsequent shots by Derek Cornelius and Tajon Buchanan were also blocked by the defensive wall, failing to result in a goal.

After finishing the first half scoreless, Canada faced disappointment in the 20th minute of the second half when a left-footed shot by Tani Oluwaseyi, who had penetrated the left side of the penalty area during a counterattack, was saved by the goalkeeper.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Canada's offense finally exploded in second-half stoppage time, with Eustaquio emerging as the hero.

In the second minute of stoppage time, after a cross from the right flank deflected off a defender, Eustaquio fired a powerful right-footed shot from the front of the penalty arc, finally breaking through South Africa's tightly guarded goal.

Eustaquio's goal proved to be the winner, sending Canada through to the Round of 16.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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