Canada’s footballers have successfully transitioned and, with a last-gasp winner, have become the first team to advance to the Round of 16 in the World Cup. The co-hosts secured a surprisingly low-quality 1-0 victory against South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday, continuing their historic World Cup fairy tale. The ‘Maple Leafs’ had never progressed beyond the group stage on the biggest footballing stage before.
Stephen Eustaquio scored the winning goal for the Canadians in injury time (90.+2) at the gigantic SoFi Stadium. They will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Houston. Bayern Munich player Alphonso Davies entered the game in the 75th minute and celebrated his much-anticipated World Cup debut after a persistent injury. For ‘Bafana Bafana,’ the tournament is considered a success despite their elimination, as the 2010 World Cup hosts also qualified for the knockout rounds for the first time in their fourth appearance. On Sunday, South Africa lacked the on-field capabilities to pose a serious threat to Canada.
Due to their loss against Switzerland (1-2) on the final group matchday, the Canadians had to relocate from Vancouver to California. Before their first match on US soil, coach Jesse Marsch once again hinted at the potential comeback of their hopeful star, Davies. The captain, who had not played since early May due to a hamstring injury, was described as being in ‘great form and excellent condition’ – but he remained on the bench at the start.
In the Los Angeles midday sun, the match initially developed into a tough contest. Canada pressed high, forcing South Africa into many long balls. It wasn’t until the middle of the first half that the favored team began to assert more control and create chances. Jonathan David first shot wide from a corner unmarked (17th minute), and then Derek Cornelius headed from an excellent position into the arms of South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after a free-kick delivery (22nd minute).
Canada vs South Africa: A Match Lacking World Cup Quality
South Africa circulated the ball extensively within their own ranks, leading to murmurs of discontent in the stands due to the slow pace of the game. It remained a match of very low quality until halftime – even though Canada came close to taking the lead. A header from Moise Bombito from a corner was cleared off the line by South Africa’s Aubrey Modiba, and Ronwen Williams made a strong save from Tajon Buchanan’s follow-up shot (44th minute). Canada later called for a penalty (45th minute) when Richie Laryea went down in the box – a decision the referee Joao Pinheiro rightly allowed to continue.
The same pattern persisted after the break. Canada was engaged but ineffective. South Africa built up play sluggishly. Then, Canada was presented with another great opportunity to take the lead: Tani Oluwaseyi, sent through on goal, was denied by Williams, and David narrowly missed the rebound (65th minute). Eustaquio, who plays for Los Angeles FC, ultimately sealed the decisive goal.