In this FIFA World Cup recap, the knockout rounds are finally here, and they kicked off with a stoppage-time winner.
Sorry for the lack content. I needed to take a break to avoid burn out, but I’m back for the knockouts.
Eustaquio wins it at the death for Canada
After 95 grueling, uninspiring minutes, Canada booked it’s spot in the Round of 16 over thanks to an edge of the box strike from captian Stephen Eustaquio to edge past South Africa 1-0.
Despite having less of the ball and lacking intensity for large portions of the match, its a result that the Canadians deserve.
Even though they defended valiantly, Bafana Bafana payed a price for its gameplan that was more focused on frustrating Canada, with slow ball rotation among the center backs and barley showing any threat on the offensive.
Les Rouges created many quality chances to take the lead, but were held in check by South Africa’s defense led by goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams, who finished the game with five saves.
It looked like the game was headed to 30 minutes of extra-time until the 90+2nd minute, when Alistair Johnson launched a cross into Bafana Bafana’s box that was cleared away, but Eustaquio found enough time and space at the edge of the box to launch a clean strike past Williams into the bottom right corner for the winning goal and wedge a knife in the heart for all of South Africa.
Canada now prepares for their last 16 match on July 4 in Houston, where they await either the Netherlands or Morocco.
Delivered by Sean Paul
