Canada reach last 16 with stoppage-time win over South Africa

LOS ANGELES: Canada moved into the World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history after Stephen Eustaquio scored deep into stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday in the opening match of the knockout rounds.

With both teams appearing in the knockout phase for the first time, the contest had looked set to go to extra time before Eustaquio struck from just outside the box in the second minute of added time. Canada, who are playing in Los Angeles despite being one of the tournament co-hosts after failing to top their group, will now play either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4. South Africa were eliminated with the defeat.

Before the match, Canada coach Jesse Marsch had highlighted the X-factor of Alphonso Davies, who was available again after recovering from a hamstring injury. However, the Bayern Munich wing-back, who had not yet featured at this World Cup, was not included in the starting lineup.

Canada started brightly and created the better openings against a South African side sitting deep. In the 22nd minute, Eustaquio delivered an accurate free-kick that found Derek Cornelius unmarked close to goal, but the defender badly mistimed his header. South Africa threatened at times on the break, though Canada pushed forward more frequently.

Late in the first half, Canada came close twice in quick succession. From a corner, Moise Bombito's header was cleared off the line, and Tajon Buchanan's follow-up effort was then stopped by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Soon after, Khuliso Mudau collided with Richie Laryea, but penalty appeals were turned down, drawing frustration from a crowd heavily backing Canada.

After the break, South Africa were content to retain the ball in deeper areas as time ran down, while Canada continued to search for a breakthrough. Just after the hour mark, substitute Niko Sigur slipped a pass through to Tani Oluwaseyi, whose shot was saved by Williams. The rebound looped toward Jonathan David, but Mbekezeli Mbokazi got there first to make the clearance.

Davies was introduced in the 75th minute to a loud reception and quickly influenced the attack. From the left, he picked out Jonathan David, who then set up fellow forward Promise David, but the chance went wide. Shortly afterward, Davies again found Jonathan David, whose effort from a narrow angle was kept out by Williams.

Canada finally found the decisive goal in stoppage time. Jacob Shaffelburg broke down the right and sent in a cross that was headed away only as far as Eustaquio. The Porto midfielder, who is on loan at Los Angeles FC, brought the ball down on his chest and struck first time into the bottom-left corner, sparking celebrations from Canada's bench and sealing a landmark win.