Canada makes history: First-ever World Cup knockout win

Canada has made history at FIFA World Cup that will change football game forever. The team have reached the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time in their history after edging past South Africa 1-0.

Stephen Eustaquio scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time to secure a landmark victory for the co-hosts-securing their first-ever victory in the knockout stage of a men’s tournament.

The result makes Canada only the fourth CONCACAF nation to progress beyond the group stage of a World Cup, following the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Canada entered Sunday’s Round of 32 match as a prominent favorite to advance to the Round of 16 with a win over South Africa.

The two teams entered second-half stoppage time locked in a 0-0 draw but Canada managed to score the winner in the 92nd minute.

A cross into the box by the Canadians landed directly on the head of a South African defender but the header bounced right to the chest of Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustaquio.

It should not be played down just how impressive Canada's performance at this World Cup has been.

Before this tournament their record was played six and lost six but they immediately picked up a historic point with a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The move was followed up by a first-ever World Cup win as they pushed Qatar 6-0 to seal their place in the knockouts.

A defeat by Switzerland denied them the opportunity to play their last-32 game in Canada but their fans travelled in huge numbers to cheer them on in Los Angeles.

This was the first time in history a World Cup host had played a match outside their own country, but nevertheless it felt like they were the home team against South Africa - given their large and vocal support.

Despite their opponents appearing determined to take the game to penalties from early on, the Canadians kept their cool before Stephen Eustaquio delivered the moment of quality to win it in stoppage time.

"At full-time it is hard to be with your team as everyone is pulled in a million different directions with the media, and you don't really have time to take that moment unless you take it right there."