Stephen Eustaquio volley sends Canada into World Cup last 16

Stephen Eustaquio drilled a stoppage-time volley into the bottom corner at Los Angeles Stadium to send co-hosts Canada into the World Cup round of 16 for the first time in their history. The LAFC loanee’s strike arrived in the second minute of added time and settled a tense match with South Africa.

For most of the 90 minutes the game lacked clinical finishing, but Eustaquio’s finish produced scenes of delirium on the touchline as coach Jesse Marsch joined his players to celebrate the historic moment. South Africa adopted a cautious approach, finishing with an expected goals total of 0.13 and controlling 58 percent of possession, yet they rarely troubled Maxime Crepeau.

Hugo Broos’ side focused on defensive solidity and slow build-up play and were punished for a lack of attacking ambition. The introduction of Alphonso Davies in the 75th minute injected pace and helped stretch the South African low block. Marsch’s late push for a winner paid off as Canada’s persistence overwhelmed their opponents.

Canada, Los Angeles

stephen eustaquio, canada, world cup, los angeles, south africa, jesse marsch, alphonso davies, maxime crepeau, hugo broos, volley