Canada: slightly less bad than South Africa
Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute strike settles a low-quality Round of 16 match as Canada advance to face Netherlands or Morocco.
South Africa vs. Canada delivered exactly what many feared: a painfully low-quality Round of 32 World Cup match.
It took a stoppage-time goal in the 92nd minute for Canada’s Stephen Eustáquio to finally see off South Africa, who had been slightly worse than their opponents but not by much. The result sends Canada into the last 16, where they will face either the Netherlands or Morocco. Based on this performance, both potential opponents will be feeling confident.
Canada dominate, but fail to create clear chances
Canada, more through momentum than intent, carried most of the initiative against a South Africa side that has changed significantly since its opening loss to Mexico.
None of the forwards from that defeat, including Lyle Foster, who remains their most recognizable attacking name, started this time. Even so, Canada’s dominance never translated into meaningful danger.
Cornelius had the clearest chance before the hydration break from a set piece, but inexplicably glanced his header straight into the hands of Williams from point-blank range.
Just before halftime, goalkeeper Williams and Modiba combined to deny Buchanan from another set piece. Layrea also appealed for a penalty in the 45th minute after contact from Mudau, but neither referee João Pinheiro nor VAR official Carlos del Cerro Grande saw enough to award it.
At the other end, South Africa offered almost nothing. The only notable mention of goalkeeper Crépeau came when his name appeared on the stadium screens. South Africa did not register a single shot on target in the first half.
South Africa briefly spark after the break
A long-range effort from Apollis just after the hour mark was South Africa’s first real warning, drifting narrowly wide of the right post.
Williams then produced a key one-on-one save to deny Oluwaseyi, and for a brief stretch the match seemed to open up. However, a hydration break quickly killed any momentum.
Canada find their edge late
Late substitutions, including Alphonso Davies and Promise David, finally gave Canada more bite in the closing stages.
Still, it took until the 92nd minute for the breakthrough. Eustaquio struck a low right-footed shot that beat Williams and spared everyone the ordeal of extra time.
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