In the first game of the round of 32 ever, Canada have kept their World Cup dreams alive with Stephen Eustaquio scoring during stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory over South Africa and a spot in the round of 16. All match, Canada struggled with Chicago Fire man Mbekezeli Mbokazi and the South Africa defense, but they kept their focus under Jesse Marsch's leadership to produce a historic moment. Every round that Canada play now is uncharted territory, but Marsch and the Canucks are rewriting Canadian soccer history.
Canada will feel hard done by becoming the first host nation ever to play a World Cup game outside of their home country after failing to win their group, putting them at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., but that wouldn't stop them from winning the match. Alphonso Davies also made his tournament debut, which will improve Canada's chances in the round of 16 in Houston, where they'll face the winner of Morocco and the Netherlands.
Los Angeles FC midfielder Stephen Eustaquio has pushed Canada to the round of 16, scoring in the city of Los Angeles where he plays his club soccer. Making their first ever appearance in the knockout stages, Canada have now won as they're marching on to face the winner between the Netherlands and Morocco.
It's Stephen Eustaquio as the Canucks get an important goal which should be the winner at this stage in the 92nd minute of play. They'll need to shut up shop now.
Promise David had a chance to test the keeper, but he couldn't catch up to the ball, and with the clock ticking down, both teams are running out of time to finish this one in regulation.
Jesse Marsch has already made four subs during the match, but his fifth will be a big one as Canada will push to win the match as Tajon Buchanan exits. He came on to quite a celebration from the crowd.
Up until now, the most entertaining portion of the game actually came from the stands. Following halftime during the wave, a Canadian fan's phone went flying out of the stands. Hopefully, it was returned to her, but this game needed something to spice it up.
It's another goalline clearance from South Africa as the Chicago Fire man was in the right place at the right time to keep the game level. Canada are ticking the pressure up a few notches, but with the second hydration break coming soon, this is still level.
It's the first yellow card of the game as Nathan Saliba looks to break up a South Africa attack with a tactical foul for a hold. That was the right play, but something to watch as Canada are already down one midfielder.
Relebohile Mofokeng has been replaced by Thalente Mbatha as Hugo Broos looks for a different look in midfield to begin the second half of play.
On the bright side, this is still level at halftime. Canada seems like the more dangerous side, and while they'll feel like they should've gotten a penalty, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been everywhere for South Africa in defense. Cyle Larin or Alphonso Davies will need to spark the Canucks attack at this stage.
Bombito's header was cleared off the line, preventing Canada from opening the scoring in this match as South Africa has been strong in their defending early.
While Canada will be okay with the start, it has been South Africa who have had the better start to the clash in this one, giving the Canucks trouble on the counter. It'll be interesting to see how Jesse Marsch approaches this, but with seven minutes plus stoppage time remaining in the first half, Canada hasn't done enough in the early going.
Both coaches are trying to ask for adjustments after this break in play, and we'll see if that leads to some changes to close out the first half of play.
Jonathan David has come close twice for Canada in the first 15 minutes of the match, but they haven't been able to get into a consistent flow against South Africa so far. It's getting loud in the stadium, though, and Canada are feeding off of the support.
We're approaching the 10-minute mark of the game, and it's off to a slow start as both teams have only tested the keepers from outside the box. Canada will want to change that as this start favors South Africa.
Despite leaving Canada for this and becoming the first host nation to play a World Cup match outside of their country, there are plenty of Canadian fans on hand to see their Canucks in this match as Canada look to play front-foot soccer.
While David had a disappointing season with Juventus, that all seems to be behind him as he's back to his best for the Canucks and his form will be critical today.
Canada are expected to make it to the round of 16 despite South Africa's strong start to the tournament. They shouldn't be underestimated, though. Pick: South Africa 0, Canada 2.
South Africa are one of nine African teams to make it to the knockouts of the World Cup. Can they continue to deliver?
Aphoso Davies is only fit for the bench. It's a bit of rotation from Canada coming into this one, but that makes sense after struggling against Switzerland to close out the group stage. Jesse Marsch will have the squad ready for what's going to be quite a match.
Canada: Maxime Crepeau, Richie Laryea, Derek Cornelious, Moise Bombito, Alistair Johnston, Liam Millar, Stephen Eustaquio, Nathan Saliba, Tajon Buchanan, Tani Oluwaseye, Jonathan David.
Date: Sunday, June 28 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium-- Los Angeles, United States
TV: Fox (Eng), Telemundo (Spa) | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Odds: South Africa +469; Draw +271; Canada -157
Jesse Marsch has shuffled the XI a bit, but we still won't see a start for Alphonso Davies. Nathan Saliba has kept his place in the XI, filling in for the injured Ismael Kone, while Hull City man Liam Millar is also in the XI as Canada will want more steel to deal with South Africa's counterattack. While Canada is a favorite for good reason, this won't be a walk in the park for them, although they'll get the job done.
