World Cup: Eustaquio relishes historic winner for hosts Canada against South Africa

Canada has achieved a historic milestone in the FIFA World Cup, clinching their first-ever knockout stage victory with a dramatic 92nd-minute goal from midfielder Stephen Eustaquio against South Africa. The dramatic winner secured Canada's place in the Round of 16, sparking wild celebrations among their supporters and breaking South African hearts.

“

We worked so hard for this victory. We really wanted to give this win to all Canadians. We just kept believing and kept pushing.

Eustaquio described the moment as a product of "collective belief" and the team's relentless persistence. "We worked so hard for this victory. We really wanted to give this win to all Canadians," he stated. "We just kept believing and kept pushing."

The match was a tense affair, with Canada dominating possession but struggling to break down a disciplined South African defense. The breakthrough finally came in stoppage time when Eustaquio found the back of the net, a goal he felt was powered by everyone on the team. "When I hit the ball, it felt like everybody hit it with me. Everyone added a little bit of power, and thankfully it ended up in the back of the net."

“

When I hit the ball, it felt like everybody hit it with me. Everyone added a little bit of power, and thankfully it ended up in the back of the net.

This landmark victory also marked Alphonso Davies' emotional return to the stadium where he suffered a serious injury 15 months prior. Despite the historic achievement, Eustaquio stressed that the team's focus has already shifted to their next challenge against Morocco or the Netherlands. "We have a special group. We feel like brothers, and when we fight for each other, special things happen. I’m over the moon, but the job is not finished."

“

We have a special group. We feel like brothers, and when we fight for each other, special things happen. I’m over the moon, but the job is not finished.