FIFA World Cup 2026: Eustaquio hails "collective effort" after sending Canada into last 16
California, June 29
Stephen Eustaquio said Canada "kept believing and kept pushing" to secure their dramatic late win over South Africa, calling it an emotional and collective effort from the team.
He added that his winning strike felt like a shared moment, saying it was as if the entire team had contributed power to the shot as it flew into the net.
Eustaquio's last-gasp strike sealed a hard-fought victory for co-hosts Canada over South Africa in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to move into the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time, in Los Angeles on Sunday.
"We just kept believing, we kept pushing, and I think we couldn't have imagined it any other way," Eustaquio said as per Reuters.
"It was an amazing goal. When I shot it, I felt everybody shot it with me. Everybody put a little bit of power on it, and it went to the back of the net, so I'm very happy."
Eustaquio has fired Canada to victory with a winning goal in the 92nd minute. Canada's midfield general struck from the edge of the box after a loose South African clearance, driving the ball low into the bottom-left corner, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Jesse Marsch praised Canada's match-winner Eustaquio and hailed his squad's mentality after their dramatic victory over South Africa, saying the decisive goal summed up their determination and belief.
He said he could only hope Eustaquio would "put it on frame" and was delighted to see him score, adding that the team's effort, character, and resilience made them "Canadian heroes." Marsch expressed pride in the players, saying he was extremely happy for them and their historic achievement.
"And then it falls to Steph, and I just hope he'll put it on frame and give it a chance, and he buries it," Marsch said.
"The hard work from these guys, the character - they're Canadian heroes. That's what I told them at the end. They are now Canadian heroes. I'm so happy for them," he added.
Marsch's side will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs Morocco at Houston Stadium.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What a moment for Canadian football! Eustaquio's quote about 'everybody shot it with me' is so touching. Reminds me of how we celebrate team goals in cricket - it's never just one person's effort. Beautiful sport.
As someone who follows both cricket and football, this is exactly the kind of passion that makes sports special. Canada vs South Africa was a thriller! But I hope our boys in blue can learn from this - never give up till the last ball. 👏
Jesse Marsch calling them 'Canadian heroes' gave me chills. It's like when MS Dhoni calls his team champions - the emotion is real. India should take notes on building team culture like this. 🇮🇳
As an Indian living in Canada, this is incredible! Our country's football is growing too, but this shows what belief can do. Eustaquio is a legend in the making. 🍁⚽
Love the 'collective effort' mindset! That's what Indian sports need - not just individual brilliance but team spirit. Reminds me of our hockey team's comebacks. Hope to see India do something similar in 2026! 🇮🇳🏑
Dramatic last-minute wins
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