A stunning 92nd-minute volley from midfielder Stephen Eustaquio powered hosts Canada to a 1-0 win over South Africa at SoFi Stadium on Sunday night, sealing the country’s first World Cup win.In a fierce battle, which seemed to need extra time, Eustaquio, who plays club football for Los Angeles FC, became the ultimate hometown hero. In the second minute of stoppage time, Alistair Johnston’s long ball into the box was directed directly into the path of the midfielder, who hit a stunning first-time volley from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner of Ronwen Williams’ net.The sensational goal sparked wild celebrations, and after Canada went ahead in the final few minutes, emotional head coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players on the post-game podium and proudly announced: “You guys are Canadian heroes!” With this win, Canada will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday, July 4.Canada played their three-match series at home in Toronto and Vancouver but were forced to play on the road after losing 2-1 to Switzerland. However, he remained a favorite in Los Angeles, with the support of traveling supporters and local LAFC fans wearing Eustáquio jerseys.Canada dominated the scoring chances, but undersized South Africa, who had won 1-0 against South Korea, defended strongly. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made five saves to keep Bafana Bafana in the lead.The game took a turn in the 75th minute when Canadian forward Alphonso Davies returned from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the squad. Playing on the same pitch where he suffered a serious knee injury in March 2025, the Bayern Munich defender immediately unleashed fire, opening up the South African defense to set up Promise David, who fired in a sloppy shot.In the end, it was Eustáquio’s delay that broke South Africa’s resistance, keeping Canada’s World Cup dreams alive.
