Match-winner urges co-hosts to stay focused after his stoppage-time strike sends Canada into the World Cup last 16 for the first time….reports London Daily News Desk
Canada match-winner Stephen Eustaquio has urged his teammates to stay grounded after his dramatic stoppage-time strike secured the co-hosts’ first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout victory, insisting the team’s historic journey is far from over.
Eustaquio scored deep into added time to hand Canada a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa in the Round of 32, sending Jesse Marsch’s side into the last 16 for the first time in the nation’s history.
With the match seemingly heading for extra time, the midfielder produced the decisive moment, firing home from the edge of the penalty area after Canada had dominated much of the contest without finding a breakthrough.
The goal was Eustaquio’s first for Canada since late 2023 and his fourth on American soil, but he admitted it was undoubtedly the most significant strike of his international career.
Speaking after the victory, the midfielder said Canada’s belief had grown stronger after progressing from the group stage and that confidence had played a crucial role in their latest triumph.
“It started when we came out of the group stage,” Eustaquio said.
“I think when it comes to a World Cup knockout game, belief plays a big part.”
Canada will now face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16 in Houston as they continue a remarkable tournament that has already seen them register their first World Cup point, first World Cup victory and now their first knockout success.
Despite the celebrations, Eustaquio insisted the squad is determined to keep making history.
“Now we’re going to get Morocco or the Netherlands, and who knows? On a good day we can make things happen,” he said.
“We have a special group. We feel like we are brothers. When we fight for each other, special things can happen. I’m over the moon, but the job’s not finished.”
Reflecting on his dramatic winner, Eustaquio revealed he had no idea how much time remained on the clock when he struck.
“It’s a tough stadium. I don’t think we could really see the clock,” he said.
“I never saw it. During the hydration breaks I kept trying to figure out how much time was left, but when I scored, I knew it had to be close to the end.”
The midfielder credited the entire squad for the historic victory, saying the players had never stopped believing despite South Africa’s stubborn resistance.
“We worked so hard for this victory. We really wanted to give this win to all Canadians,” he said.
“We just kept believing and kept pushing. When I hit the shot, it felt like everybody hit it with me. Everybody put a little bit of power into it, and it ended up in the back of the net.”
Canada’s fairytale World Cup campaign now continues into the last 16, with confidence growing that the co-hosts can produce another upset as they chase an unprecedented quarter-final berth.
