Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustaquio delivered one of the most emotional moments of the World Cup so far, scoring a stunning stoppage-time winner to lift Canada past South Africa 1-0 on Sunday and book their spot in the round of 16.
The 29-year-old struck a powerful half-volley from outside the penalty box in the second minute of added time, breaking open what had been a tightly contested match in Los Angeles. For coach Jesse Marsch, the goal meant far more than just three points.
“I couldn’t think of a more deserving human being in a group of incredible human beings,” Marsch said following the victory. “Maybe Steph is the most deserving to have a moment like that. So I’m really happy for him, and I think from somewhere his parents are looking down, and they saw that.”
Eustaquio has faced profound personal loss in recent years, having lost his mother in April 2023 and his father in May 2024 — both within just over a year of each other.
Marsch praised Eustaquio as one of the most dependable players on the squad, saying the goal reflected the mental composure the team has worked hard to build.
“Steph is one of the people in the team that I think is the most reliable and understands what we’re trying to achieve as a group,” Marsch said. “We talk a lot about having calmness… It was good to see him in that moment just thinking about how to strike the ball in a way to give it the best chance to go in.”
The coach also spoke about the broader impact the dramatic victory could have back home, saying, “The timing of the goal means that the win is incredibly dramatic. I think the effect that it will have in Canada and the inspiring of people will be immense.”
Marsch, an American, acknowledged that Canada had been disappointed to play their group stage matches outside their home country, but said relocating to Los Angeles had not been a major disruption. “We’re used to playing in the States. We actually play more games in the States than we do in Canada,” he noted.
Canada’s next challenge comes on July 4 in Houston, where they will face either Morocco or the Netherlands. Marsch said he welcomes the tough matchup, calling it “a free hit” and vowing to go all out for a win. He described Morocco as “a modern giant” and the Netherlands as “a traditional giant.”
