South Africa knocked out of World Cup as Canada score last-minute winner

South Africa’s hopes were shattered late on as Canada struck a last-minute winner to claim victory in a tense and often scrappy contest. With extra time looming, Stephen Eustaquio produced the decisive moment, firing a superb low shot from the edge of the penalty area to seal the result.

It was a cruel ending for South Africa, who had defended well for much of the match but offered little going forward. The game produced few clear chances, and Bafana Bafana appeared to be settling for extra time before Canada finally found the breakthrough.

The defeat ended South Africa’s run in the tournament and sent Canada into the last 16 as the first side to book their place in the knockout rounds. It was a historic moment for Jesse Marsch’s team, who had never previously won a World Cup match before this tournament. Their earlier 6-0 win over Qatar on 18 June had already marked their first victory in a finals, and this result confirmed their remarkable progress.

Canada’s reward is a meeting with either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday, 4 July. In the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, Marsch praised his players in a huddle, calling them “Canadian heroes” and saying they had helped build a bright future for the sport in the country.

South Africa, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on a disappointing display in Los Angeles. They finished second in Group A, but against Canada they managed only one shot on target and struggled to impose themselves in attack. Their best hope seemed to be taking the game beyond 90 minutes, but that plan was undone by Eustaquio’s late strike.

Canada had already threatened before the winner arrived. Moise Bombito saw a header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while the Canadians also felt they should have been awarded a penalty after Khuliso Mudau challenged Richie Laryea in the box. Marsch was furious at the decision and attempted to confront the officials at half-time, though Bombito stepped in to stop him.

South Africa also had moments where strong defending kept them alive. Mbekezeli Mbokazi made a crucial block to deny Jonathan David, and Canada continued to press after the introduction of Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies. Jonathan David and Promise David both came close as the pressure mounted.

In the end, Canada’s seven shots on target told the story. Their persistence was rewarded at the death, while South Africa were left heartbroken after being eliminated by a team that has made one of the tournament’s most impressive runs.