Stephen Eustáquio inspires Canada into World Cup last 16 as Alphonso Davies returns and strikers misfire: Winners and losers

Canada are through to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history after Stephen Eustáquio’s stunning stoppage-time strike sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa.

In a tense contest at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Jesse Marsch’s side dominated long spells but looked destined for extra time until vice-captain Eustáquio unleashed a brilliant half-volley from the edge of the area in the dying seconds.

The victory also marked the welcome return of Alphonso Davies after injury, while Canada’s long-standing problems in front of goal once again threatened to undermine an otherwise outstanding team display.

Next up awaits either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4, but regardless of what happens next, Canada have already rewritten their football history.

“It was a really strong and disciplined performance,” Marsch said after the match. “We didn’t lose our patience and the timing of the goal makes the win incredibly dramatic. The inspiration this will give people back home will be immense.”

GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers from Canada’s historic night.

WINNER: Canadian football

Canadian football has officially arrived on the world’s biggest stage.

The country has spent the last decade steadily building credibility, qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, reaching the Copa América semi-finals and consistently producing players capable of competing in Europe’s biggest leagues.

Sunday, however, felt different.

This was the defining moment Canadian football had been waiting for.

Winning a knockout match at the World Cup changes perceptions forever. Instead of simply earning respect, Canada have now proven they belong among football’s emerging nations.

Marsch called his players “Canadian heroes” after the final whistle, and the description fits perfectly.

This victory will inspire a new generation of children to dream of representing Canada rather than their family’s country of heritage. Stadiums will continue filling with supporters dressed in red, and any lingering doubts over Canada’s place in world football have surely disappeared.

Whatever happens against the Netherlands or Morocco, this World Cup has already changed Canadian football forever.

LOSER: Canada’s strikers

Canada’s biggest weakness refuses to disappear.

For all their dominance, Marsch’s side once again struggled to convert opportunities, requiring a stoppage-time thunderbolt from a midfielder to rescue them.

Canada finished with 12 shots and generated 1.32 expected goals, yet failed to find the net until the 93rd minute.

Tani Oluwaseyi’s relentless pressing justified his inclusion, but neither Jonathan David nor Promise David consistently threatened South Africa’s defence.

Cyle Larin, introduced later in the game, also squandered one of Canada’s clearest openings with a one-on-one opportunity that should have settled the contest much earlier.

The pressing structure remains excellent, but if Canada are to spring another upset against elite opposition, someone in the forward line must begin taking responsibility in front of goal.

Against the Netherlands or Morocco, chances are unlikely to come so frequently.

WINNER: Stephen Eustáquio

Few players deserved a defining World Cup moment more.

After losing both parents within two years and seeing his role at Porto diminish, Eustáquio took a calculated gamble by joining LAFC on loan to rediscover regular football ahead of the World Cup.

That decision has now paid off spectacularly.

The midfielder was outstanding throughout Sunday’s contest, dictating possession, recovering loose balls and driving Canada forward whenever opportunities presented themselves.

His statistics underline his influence:

• Scored the winning goal.
• Created five chances.
• Completed 43 of 48 passes.
• Controlled the midfield throughout.

Then came the decisive moment.

Meeting the ball perfectly on the edge of the area, Eustáquio fired an unstoppable half-volley beyond the goalkeeper to send the Canadian supporters into delirium and write his name into his country’s football history.

After everything he has endured, it was a fitting reward for one of Canada’s most influential players.