Canada secure last-16 place after dramatic late winner vs South Africa
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- Stephen Eustaquio scored a stoppage-time winner in the 92nd minute, chesting the ball down and firing a half volley into the far corner past Ronwen Williams to break South Africa's resistance.
- Canada became the first team to book their place in the World Cup last 16 after a match that looked destined for extra time and penalties against a stoic South African defense.
- South Africa's defending frustrated Canada throughout, with Aubrey Modiba clearing Moise Bombito's header off the line and Mbekezeli Mbokazi producing a heroic last-ditch tackle to deny Jonathan David a simple headed finish.
- Canada were denied a penalty before the break when Richie Laryea went down under a challenge from Khuliso Mudau; VAR confirmed the on-field decision after replays showed a small touch on the ball.
- Jesse Marsch was so furious at the half-time penalty decision that his own players had to usher him away from the match officials, a stark contrast to his celebrations after the late winner.
- Canada will face either Morocco or the Netherlands in the last 16 on July 4 in Houston.
Why it matters: Canada are the first team confirmed in the knockout stage, giving co-hosts a 12-day runway to prepare for a last-16 clash in Houston on July 4 against Morocco or the Netherlands — a path that looked dead until Eustaquio's 92nd-minute intervention after South Africa had repelled wave after wave.
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