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Mark Walker, Press Association
Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time strike sealed a 1-0 World Cup knock-out win for co-hosts Canada against South Africa and a place in the last 16.
Canada captain Eustaquio lashed home from the edge of the box in the second minute of added time at the Los Angeles Stadium to clinch Jesse Marsch’s side a round of 16 tie against Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on July 4th.
Canada, the first team into the last 16, had progressed from their group by finishing second, but after drawing 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina and thrashing Qatar 6-0, a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland saw them lose home advantage for the knockout stage.
South Africa also finished second in their group behind winners Mexico, while both sides were playing in their first World Cup knockout match and a cagey encounter served up few clear-cut chances.
Canada were furious when their appeals for a penalty just before the interval were dismissed after Khuliso Mudau’s challenge on Richie Laryea.
More heroic defending from South Africa in the second period denied Jonathan David a headed chance after goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had kept out Tani Oluwaseyi’s initial effort.
Jonathan David and substitute Promise David both went close for Canada, while South Africa forward Oswin Appollis’ effort was well saved by Maxim Crepeau.
The game appeared set for extra time, but when a deep cross in time added on was only partially cleared, Eustaquio settled it by firing a brilliant low shot into the bottom corner.
The Los Angeles FC midfielder told ITV: “I think we worked a lot to get this victory. We really wanted to give this win to all of the Canadians. We just kept believing, kept pushing and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way.
“I think it was an amazing goal but when I shot, I felt everyone shot with me. They put a little bit of power on it and it went into the back of the net. So I am very happy.”
South Africa goalkeeper Williams told ITV that his side can be proud of their display in Los Angeles.
He said: “So proud of the boys to show our quality. We wanted to come here and compete. We can leave here with our heads high. Proud of the boys. The effort, the fight, the character. We keep fighting. We didn’t have the best start to the tournament.
“Our backs were against the wall, but to come out today and show up, show our work. Can only be proud. It’s a very young team. It is good lessons for them now going into the future, but we can be proud.”
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