Off to the World Cup Round of 16

LIVE: Can Host Canada Get Past South Africa?

A moment of relief for host Canada!(Bild: AP/Andre Penner)

Host nation Canada has advanced to the Round of 16 at the World Cup. In stoppage time, Stephen Eustaquio scored the decisive goal to secure a 1-0 victory over underdog South Africa. Meanwhile, star player Alphonso Davies made his debut at this World Cup. 

Canada has won the first Round of 32 match in World Cup history and is thus the first team to advance to the Round of 16 at a World Cup held in North America. Coach Jesse Marsch’s team defeated South Africa 1-0 (0-0) on Monday in Los Angeles. Stephen Eustaquio scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time (92nd minute). The World Cup co-host will now face the winner of the Netherlands–Morocco match in the round of 16 on Saturday (7:00 p.m. CEST on the sportkrone.at live ticker) in Houston.

Both the Canadians and the South Africans had reached the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time; for the former, the dream continues on soccer’s biggest stage. Marsch’s team thus advanced even without home-field advantage. The Maple Leafs had played all of their group stage matches at home. Furthermore, this means all three host nations of this tournament remain in the competition.

Better Chances for Canada
Canada’s captain, Alphonso Davies (thigh), started on the bench and watched a first half with few highlights. The North Americans had the better chances: Derek Cornelius missed one when his header from close range went wide and was saved by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (22'). There was excitement shortly before halftime on a corner kick: First, South African defender Aubrey Modiba cleared a header by Moise Bombito off the line, and then Tajon Buchanan was denied by Williams (44'). Shortly afterward, there was a penalty appeal at the same spot when Richie Laryea was brought down by Khuliso Mudau. However, referee Joao Pinheiro and the VAR remained silent.

In the second half, the South Africans were much more present; Oswin Appollis fired wide from distance (62'). At the other end, Williams made saves against Tani Oluwaseyi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi as Jonathan David came charging in (65'). In the 75th minute, Davies made his first appearance of the tournament and was immediately involved in a good attacking move; Promise David, who had also come on as a substitute, narrowly missed the goal (76'). Jonathan David was also unable to get past Bafana goalkeeper Williams (78th minute).

The match now swung back and forth, with both teams looking to seal the win but lacking precision. Until, of all people, Los Angeles FC’s Eustaquio took a chance in stoppage time and secured the victory for Canada.