Canada moves on with massive World Cup triumph over South Africa

Article content

Article content

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — They came here to Southern California, booted out of their own country despite being a World Cup host, but still driven to make a statement in the most important moment of their careers.

Article content

Article content

They came ultimately to add to the history they’ve already made this World Cup and not just rest upon it.

And then with their captain, finally and gloriously making his debut in the tournament, this group of resolutely united Canadian athletes not only came to life, but made the most resounding statement yet of how far they’ve come.

An added time goal by Stephen Eustaquio, one for the ages in this country’s sporting lexicon, sent the Canadian sideline into rapture and with the 1-0 victory over South Africa, onto the Round of 16. And now, in the words of their unapologetic coach, they are legends back home.

“I wanted to voice to them how important a moment this is and will be for the sport in the country, for the national team program,” Jesse Marsch said. “It’s a shame we couldn’t do it in Vancouver, right in front of our fans, but you saw the character of this team, the quality of this team, the mentality of this team.”

Article content

Article content

A game in which Canada had numerous chances to seize control of early, hit a next level when Alphonso Davies was substituted in at the 75th minute, drawing a massive roar from the Canadians at spectacular and spellbinding Los Angeles Stadium.

The effect was real and immediate. With minutes, the Canadians had a pair of superb chances as they continue to press the underdog South Africans.

“When Fonzie comes in he’s the best player we have on our team,” Eustaquio said. “We know he’s healthy and ready to push.”

“Everybody’s so important. We need everybody.”

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Play Video

How they became “Canadian heroes”

It was an incredible afternoon of theatre at one of the world’s greatest sporting venues as the South Africans sat back at times, seemingly with the intent to will the Canadians into submission.

But Marsch’s persistent encouragement for his team to attack eventually paid off. The moment was large, the implications immense, but they didn’t wilt.

“These guys, they’re all Canadian heroes, that’s what I told them at the end,” an emotional Marsch said of his address at the centre of the pitch. “The hard work from these guys, the character of them. I can’t help but think back to all of the work that has gone in to get to this moment.”

Article content

And for a Canadian program that had never even won a World Cup game prior to this year – 0-6, they were – they now have a nation engaged in the most popular sport on the globe.

“We just won a knockout round at the World Cup,” said  Canadian defender, Alistair Johnston. “We’re still dancing.”

Dancing all the way to the next round, it turns out.  When the final whistle blew, the Canadians poured onto the pitch to celebrate the biggest moment the men’s program has ever seen.

And now a tournament that was a good one for one of the three host nations has turned great. With an opportunity, a long shot that it may be, to get even better.

The goal in all its glory

The winner came a couple of minutes into extra time as Euestaquio, got alone in front of the South African net, calmed the ball with his chest and then blasted it home with a powerful right foot that was destined to delight a nation.

“When I scored, I knew it was the end (of the game) and then we just had to the result for two or three minutes,” Eustaquio said. “And then it was a relief.”

Article content

For Marsch, it was a moment of triumph for a player he’s come to respect for his resilience after losing both of his parents and for his veteran leadership in a tight group of Canadian men.

“Everything that he’s been through and the kind of family man he is and the kind of person he is,” Marsch said. “Maybe Steph is the most deserving to have a moment like that. I think from somewhere his parents are looking down.”

What’s next and can Canada keep going?

Canada will remain here in California for a scheduled training session on Monday before travelling to Houston to face the winner of the Morocco-Netherlands match in a Round of 16 match on Saturday.

There, they will meet one of the toughest and highest-regarded teams in the world, a point not lost on Marsch, even in the joyous aftermath of Sunday.

As he often can be, Marsch was eloquent in not just the challenge that awaits, but the accomplishment of merely getting to the final 16 in the world.

“My goal in this tournament, apart from inspiring our nation, was to make a run so that we could get to see one of the giants of the world,” Marsch said. “Given Morocco’s last six years, they’re a modern giant. Given the success of the Dutch national team for what feels like centuries, that’s a traditional giant.

“Now we’re at the phase of the tournament that I feel is like a free hit. And we’re going to go after it and do everything we can to find a way to get a win.”

Can they do it? It will take more finish, an even greater presence from Davies and a some technical sharpening. But there’s no denying the confidence the Canadians will take with them to Houston.

“They play good football,” Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos said afterwards when asked what damage Canada could do in the next round. “They are powerful. There is speed. It’s a rather modern team.

“They can make a surprise in the next round, certainly.”

Article content