Eustaquio's Precious 'Last-Minute Goal' Sends Canada to Round of 16 for First Time

[Anchor]

The Round of 32 of the North and Central America World Cup has begun. Co-host Canada defeated South Africa, thanks to a precious last-minute goal by Eustaquio, a teammate of Son Heung-min at LAFC, to advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in history.

Reporter Jeon Young-min has the story.

[Reporter]

Canada pressured South Africa throughout the first half, attempting eight shots, but struggled to find the back of the net.

They had a golden opportunity during a corner kick late in the first half, but consecutive shots with their heads and feet were blocked by the opponent's desperate defensive efforts.

Even in the second half, with the crowd performing the wave, they continued to lack that final touch.

Oluwaseyi's determined shot was denied by a save from the goalkeeper, and Promise's long-range strike narrowly missed the goalpost.

However, in second-half stoppage time, Eustaquio, Son Heung-min's LAFC teammate, finally found the back of the net.

After receiving a ball cleared by the opposing defense with his chest, he fired a right-footed non-stop shot into the corner of the goal, scoring a dramatic winner.

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch clenched his fists and roared, while Eustaquio and his teammates embraced to celebrate the moment.

Canada held onto the lead until the final whistle, defeating South Africa 1-0 to reach the Round of 16 for the first time ever.

[Eustaquio/Canada National Football Team: I feel like I have the world, but our mission is not over yet. We have to face a stronger team in six days (in the Round of 16). Still, for today, I want to fully enjoy the feeling of having made the Canadian people proud.]

Canada will play their Round of 16 match next Sunday against the winner of the Round of 32 match between the Netherlands and Morocco.

(Video Editing: So Ji-hye)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.