Canada reach World Cup last 16 with late 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 in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 victory over South Africa in the first match of the knockout rounds on Sunday.

With both teams playing in the knockout phase for the first time, the contest looked set to go to extra time before Eustaquio struck from just outside the penalty area. Canada, who were playing in Los Angeles despite being co-hosts after not winning their group, will now meet either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4. South Africa's run in the tournament ended with the defeat.

Before the match, Canada coach Jesse Marsch had spoken about the possible influence of Alphonso Davies, who was available again after a hamstring injury. However, the Bayern Munich wing-back, who had not yet featured at this World Cup, was not included in the starting line-up.

Canada made the stronger start and created the better openings against a South African side set up in a deep defensive shape. In the 22nd minute, Eustaquio delivered a precise free-kick that found Derek Cornelius unmarked near goal, but the defender failed to direct his header properly.

South Africa threatened at times on the break, but Canada came closest before the interval during a frantic spell. Moise Bombito's header from a corner was cleared off the line, and Tajon Buchanan's follow-up was stopped by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Soon after, Khuliso Mudau collided with Richie Laryea, but penalty appeals were rejected.

After the break, South Africa were content to circulate the ball deep in their own half as time passed, drawing frustration from a crowd that strongly backed Canada. Just after the hour mark, substitute Niko Sigur played Tani Oluwaseyi through on goal, but Williams made the save. The rebound looped toward Jonathan David before Mbekezeli Mbokazi intervened with a vital clearance.

Davies was introduced in the 75th minute and quickly became influential. Attacking from the left, he picked out Jonathan David, who then set up fellow forward Promise David, but the shot went wide. Shortly afterwards, Davies again found Jonathan David, whose effort from a narrow angle was kept out by Williams.

Canada finally broke through in the second minute of stoppage time. Jacob Shaffelburg advanced 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 to send Canada's bench onto the pitch and secure a landmark win.