INGLEWOOD: Canada men’s national soccer team booked their place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 after Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over South Africa national soccer team on Sunday.

Eustaquio struck in the second minute of second-half stoppage time, collecting a poorly headed clearance before firing a low shot from outside the penalty area into the bottom-left corner to seal Canada’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory.

The Canadians will now face the winner of Monday’s match between Morocco national football team and Netherlands national football team in Houston on Saturday.

Canada dominated much of the contest, finishing with 18 shots compared to South Africa’s 12, while registering seven efforts on target against just one for their opponents.

Captain Alphonso Davies made his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury, coming off the bench in the 75th minute. Minutes later, he created a chance for Promise David, whose effort narrowly missed the target.

South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the match, including denying Tani Oluwaseyi before defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi cleared Jonathan David’s rebound off the goal line.

Canada also came close before halftime when Moise Bombito’s header was blocked on the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Williams made another crucial stop to deny Tajon Buchanan.

In first-half stoppage time, Canada appealed for a penalty after Richie Laryea went down following a challenge by Khuliso Mudau inside the area, but the referee’s decision to play on was upheld after a VAR review.

The match marked the first FIFA World Cup knockout appearance for both Canada and South Africa, with Canada making history by progressing to the next stage.