◤FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico◢ Stephen Eustáquio scored as injury time as Canada reach the Round of 16s with a late 0-1 win over South Africa..

Canada secured a late 0-1 away win against South Africa in Sunday's FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico Round of 32s match at the Los Angeles Stadium, becoming the first team to advance to the Round of 16s.

In the first half, Cornelius' close-range header missed the target, and Eustáquio's corner kick caused chaos in the box, while Laryea had being fouled but the VAR referee refused to award a penalty, sparking controversy. In the second half, Oluwaseyi's shot was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper. In the crucial moment, Eustáquio scored from long range follow up shot. Ultimately, Canada secured a late 0-1 away win against South Africa. Next, the Maple Leaf Team will face the winner between the Netherlands and Morocco in Houston.

First Half

In the 17th minute, Canada earned a corner kick opportunity. Stephen Eustáquio took the corner by crossing it into the box. Upon receiving the pass, Jonathan David volleyed with his right foot from the center of the box, but his shot went wide of the right side of the post.

5 minutes later, Canada earned a opportunity. Eustáquio took the free kick by crossing it into the box. Derek Cornelius rose high and attempted with a header from a very close distance in the box, however his effort was somehow easily saved by Ronwen Williams! Canada missed a golden opportunity to take the lead!

In the 35th minute, Canada launched a quick counter-attack. Liam Millar played a through ball down the left wing. Tani Oluwaseyi quickly followed up and upon receiving the pass, volleyed with his left foot from a difficult angle at the left side of the box, but his shot was saved by Williams made the save.

In the 44th minute, Canada earned a corner kick opportunity. Eustáquio took the corner by crossing it into the box. Cornelius attempted with a header from a very close distance in the box, his effort was saved by Williams, causing chaos. Tajon Buchanan followed up and upon picking up the loose ball, took a right-footed follow-up shot from a very close distance in the box, but his shot was saved off the goal line by Williams. South Africa narrowly avoided from conceding goal!

1 minute later, Millar passes horizontally from the byline at the left wing. Richie Laryea quickly followed up and upon receiving the pass, he was brought down by Khuliso Mudau at the byline near the left side of the box. However, both the referee and the VAR assistant referee refused to award Canada a penalty, this became a decision that sparked considerable controversy.

At the halftime break, the score was 0-0 between Canada and South Africa.

Second Half

Both teams switched sides as the match continue. In the 62nd minute, Thalente Mbatha delivered a long pass from the right wing. His pass was initially blocked and cleared off not far away by Luc de Fougerolles. Oswin Appollis quickly followed up and upon picking up the loose ball, took a right-footed follow-up shot from outside the penalty area, but his shot went just slightly wide of the top right corner of the post.

2 minutes later, Niko Sigur played a through ball from near the midfield center circle. After beating the offside trap, Cornelius quickly followed up, got the ball and dribbled into the center of the box, before attempted a left-footed shot against the outrushing Williams. but his shot was saved by Williams and then cleared off the line by Mbekzeli Mbokazi, Canada missed another golden opportunity to take the lead!

In the 76th minute, Jonathan David passed the ball back from the attacking third. Upon receiving the pass, Promise David took a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, but his shot went just slightly wide of the bottom left corner of the post.

2 minutes later, Alphonso David passes horizontally from the left side of the box. Jonathan David got the ball and took a few steps before volleying with his left foot from a difficult angle at a very close distance of the box, but his shot was saved by Williams.

In the 85th minute, Yaya Sithole played a through ball from near the midfield center circle. Appollis got the ball and took a few steps before taking a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, but his shot was saved by Maxime Crépeau.

In the second minute of injury stoppage time, Jacob Shaffelburg crossed into the box from the right wing. His pass was initially blocked and cleared off not far away by Ime Okon. Stephen Eustáquio quickly followed up and upon picking up the loose ball, took a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area which flew straight into the bottom left corner of the net that left Williams out of reach. Canada secured a 1-0 late win! The former Porto midfielder finally broke his 2-year and 8-month goal drought for the national team!

When the match final whistle is blown, Canada defeated South Africa with a late 0-1 away win.

Image source: Internet / AFP