One of the three hosts, Canada, advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup after defeating South Africa with a minimal score at the „Sofi Stadium“ in Los Angeles.
The Canadians, who became the first host nation in World Cup history to play a knockout match outside their country’s borders, were the better team for almost all 90 minutes and deservedly secured a historic place among the 16 best teams.
The man of the match was Stephen Eustáquio, who scored in the second minute of stoppage time, bringing great joy to his team.
„Bafana bafana“ opted for a defensive game from the first minute and managed to withstand the Canadian attacks for a long time, but faltered in the final moments when it seemed they would force extra time.
The first serious chance for either team came in the 17th minute. After a corner, Jonathan David broke free from his marker, created a position, but his shot from seven or eight meters went wide of the goal.
Five minutes later, there was new excitement in front of the South African goal. Once again, the Canadians were dangerous after a set piece, this time Derek Cornelius inexplicably found himself alone, but headed the ball straight at goalkeeper Ronwen Williams from close range.
In the closing moments of the first half, „bafana bafana“ somehow survived. After a corner from the left side, Moise Bombito headed the ball, and Obri Modibo cleared it off the goal line, while Tajon Buchanan attempted to score, but Williams was not fooled.
Jesse Marsch’s team sought a penalty in stoppage time after Richie Lareya fell in the penalty area following a duel with Mudaou, but the main referee João Pineiro did not respond, nor did the VAR room.
In the 62nd minute, we saw the first somewhat noteworthy attempt from South Africa – Osvin Apolis took a powerful shot from distance, but it was not accurate enough.
Three minutes later, a huge chance on the opposite side. Tanitoluva Oluvasi surged towards the goal, withstood a duel with the defender, but his shot was saved by Williams, and then Mbekezile Mbokazi intervened just in time in front of David.
Shortly after, Promis David shot from about 20 meters, but the ball flew past the right post of the South African goalkeeper.
About ten minutes before the end of regular time, Jonathan David shot from an angle towards the near post, but Williams was once again in the right place.
One of the most active players for the African team, Apolis, threatened again in the 85th minute, but Maxim Krepau, who had been almost idle until that moment, was secure.
Just when everyone was preparing for extra time, the vice-captain Stephen Eustáquio made sure that wouldn’t happen in the second minute of stoppage time. The Los Angeles midfielder received a rebound at the edge of the penalty area, controlled the ball beautifully, and then with a brilliant volley shot, he beat Williams and took his team among the 16 best teams in the world.
There they will face the winner of the match between the Netherlands and Morocco. Whichever of these two teams becomes Canada’s opponent will have to perform much better if they wish to continue their journey in this tournament.
In addition to the triumph and advancing further, Canadian fans can also rejoice at the return of their star Alphonso Davies, who came on in the 75th minute and immediately brought the necessary freshness.
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