Canada Reach Round of 16 as First Team with Last-Gasp Winner, South Africa Eliminated

Darwin, 29 June : Co-hosts Canada faced South Africa in the first knockout match of the World Cup. The game remained goalless throughout the regulation 90 minutes, but Canada found the breakthrough in stoppage time and held on for a 1-0 victory.

With the win, Canada became the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 and reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

South Africa enjoyed more possession early in the match, but Canada looked the more attacking side from the outset, consistently putting pressure on the South African defense. Despite creating several chances, they were unable to find the net.

Canada came close to scoring in the 44th minute when Moïse Bombito’s header was cleared off the goal line by Aubrey Modiba, denying what looked like a certain goal. As a result, the first half ended in a goalless draw.

Although the opening half produced no goals, the intensity increased after the break. In the 65th minute, South Africa were once again rescued by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who made an excellent foot save to deny Jonathan David. Canada continued to threaten, but Mbokazi produced another crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

It appeared the match would head toward extra time, but Canada finally found the decisive goal in the first minute of stoppage time. Steven Eustáquio scored in the 90+1st minute to give the hosts a dramatic 1-0 victory.

Canada will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Morocco match in the quarter-finals.