Stephen Eustaquio broke South African hearts with a stunning stoppage time strike to send Canada into the FIFA World Cup round of 16 for the first time in the country’s history, with a 1-0 victory at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday.
The Porto midfielder, who captained Canada in the absence of the injured Alphonso Davies, collected a headed clearance on the edge of the box in the 90th minute and hammered a precise half volley into the far corner past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, sending the largely pro-Canada crowd into a frenzy.
For Eswatini football fans following the tournament, the result marked a milestone moment for African football too, as South Africa’s surprising World Cup campaign came to an end. Bafana Bafana had entered the round of 32 after finishing third in Group C, having drawn 1-1 with the Czech Republic and beating South Korea 1-0 following an opening 2-0 defeat to Mexico. 
South Africa defended with tremendous discipline throughout Sunday’s contest, and goalkeeper Williams was outstanding, making five saves, all from shots inside the box. Canada dominated in terms of chances but were repeatedly denied, with one goal-bound header from Moise Bombito cleared off the line in first half stoppage time, and Tajon Buchanan crashing another attempt off the crossbar moments later.
Canada captain Davies, who had been sidelined for the entire tournament following a knee injury sustained at this same stadium over a year ago, came on as a substitute in the 75th minute to a thunderous reception. His arrival immediately lifted the team, with two quick chances created from his sharp passing before Eustaquio delivered the decisive blow.
Coach Jesse Marsch was visibly emotional on the final whistle, spreading his arms wide on the pitch and embracing his staff before gathering his players in a huddle.
“You guys are Canadian heroes, Canadian heroes, Canadian heroes are the future children of this country,” Marsch told his squad. “We play this sport. This sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are. You should be so proud of this game. You never lost belief. You went after it, point after point, moment after moment, you are Canadian heroes!”
Canada’s win erases the memory of one of the program’s darkest moments, an 8-1 defeat to Honduras in the 2012 World Cup qualifying and marks their first ever knockout stage victory at a men’s World Cup.
Canada will now face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4 in the round of 16.
Midfielder Ismael Kone, who suffered a broken tibia and fibula in Canada’s June 18 group stage match against Qatar following a tackle that earned the opposing player a straight red card and a five-match ban, watched the match from the sideline on crutches.
