Stephen Eustáquio netted a special strike in stoppage time to give Canada a 1-0 win over South Africa in the opening last-32 game at the World Cup on Sunday.
In the first ever World Cup knock-out clash for both sides, the co-hosts were the better team and finally made the breakthrough with extra-time looming.
Captain Eustáquio chested a loose ball down just outside the area and found the far corner with a perfect shot two minutes into injury time.
The midfielder, who lost both his parents and became a father in the last few years, was in tears as he said: “Everything I do is for my parents, for my girlfriend, for my daughter.”
Coach Jesse Marsch told his players in a huddle at full-time: “Guys. Think about the two years we’ve been together. Think about how we talked about sticking to the plan, sticking to who we want to be, playing aggressive, accessing the quality, you guys showing your character.
“You guys are Canadian heroes. Canadian heroes. Canadian heroes for the future children of this country, who play this sport. This sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are. You should be so proud of this game. You went after it, moment after moment. You are Canadian heroes.”
Canada defender Derek Cornelius had failed to connect with a header in a perfect position during the first half and Moïse Bombito saw an even better chance cleared off the line, just before the Canadians had a strong penalty shout waved away.
The co-hosts also pushed hard at times after the break but it looked like an additional 30 minutes would be needed.
Eustáquio then popped up with his fifth goal for his country at the perfect time to set up a last-16 meeting with the Netherlands or Morocco on Saturday in Houston.
Canada, who finished second in their group to relinquish playing on home soil, had Alphonso Davies on the bench again as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury.
The Bayern Munich left back had widely been expected to start in Los Angeles County but came off the bench on 75 minutes at 0-0 to help inspire his team.
South Africa reached the last 32 after a surprise win over South Korea in their group finale. Tunisia were the only African side not to progress from the groups and now Bafana Bafana have joined them in going home after falling at the first knock-out hurdle.
Oswin Appollis fired wide and had another effort saved in South Africa’s best opportunities in the second period.
South Africa’s Belgian coach Hugo Broos became the oldest coach in men’s World Cup knock-out history at 74 years and 79 days. He is now set to retire after at least making the knock-outs for the first time.
“I think we will be in this tournament a lot of times,” Broos said. “It was certainly something that we had to do. In the coming months, I am sure that this team will be stronger than before.”
The last 32 is an additional round added to the expanded 48-team tournament. Recent World Cups have had 32 nations.
Brazil take on Japan, Germany face Paraguay and the Dutch meet Morocco in Monday’s last-32 fixtures.
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