Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner for co-hosts Canada as they beat South Africa 1-0 to become the first team to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The game looked to be petering out to extra-time and possibly penalties following a stoic defensive performance from South Africa until Eustaquio chested the ball down inside the box and nestled his half volley into the far corner to finally beat Ronwen Williams in the 92nd minute.
The match-winning moment came after Canada had been thwarted at every given chance by South Africa with Moise Bombito’s header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi heroic challenge denied Jonathan David a simple header with the goal gaping.
Moise Bombito reacts after he is denied a goal against South Africa
Canada also felt they should have had a penalty when Richie Laryea went down following a challenge from Khuliso Mudau inside the area just before the break, but, following a VAR review, the on-field decision was confirmed.
Replays showed a small touch on the ball from Mudau before making contact with Laryea but that did not tame the half-time reaction from Canada head coach Jesse Marsch, who had to be ushered away from the match officials by his own players.
The reaction from the Canada boss at full-time following the late winner was in stark contrast to the previous break, as he and his squad celebrated. They can now look ahead to their last-16 match against Morocco or Netherlands in Houston on July 4.
The key moments from Los Angeles…
- OFF THE LINE! Bombito’s header for Canada cleared off the line by Modiba.
- NO PENALTY! Laryea goes down following Mudau’s challenge but VAR sticks with the on-field decision.
- CHANCE! Williams denies Tanu Oluwaseyi and Mbokazi clears second ball away from David with heroic tackle.
- WINNER! Eustaquio nets dramatic late winner in the 92nd minute for Canada.
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