The decisive blow fell deep into stoppage time at Los Angeles Stadium. With the match seemingly drifting towards extra time, Canada midfielder Stephen Eustáquio controlled a ball on his chest and drove a low shot into the corner, sending the Canadian bench into delirium and silencing a South African side that had held out for 92 minutes. The 1-0 victory propels Canada into the men’s World Cup round of 16 for the first time, while South Africa’s maiden knockout campaign ended in heartbreak.

Canada had been the more assertive side throughout, creating the clearer chances and forcing South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into five saves. The Bafana Bafana enjoyed 58 per cent possession but managed only six attempts to Canada’s 12, and their usual weapon — building from the back through Williams’s foot skills to draw the press and release quick wingers — was neutralised. Canadian coach Jesse Marsch’s side declined to press the goalkeeper, a tactical choice that, in the words of one South African analyst, “transformed one of Bafana Bafana’s best weapons into a toy pistol.” South Africa captain Williams later lamented a lack of cutting edge: his team scored just twice in four matches, only once from open play.

Both sides arrived at this round of 32 having already exceeded expectations. South Africa, competing in their first World Cup in 16 years, recovered from an opening loss to Mexico to draw with the Czech Republic and beat South Korea, finishing second in Group A. Coach Hugo Broos, at 74 the oldest man to lead a team in a World Cup knockout match, called a place in the last 16 “a small miracle” and said he was “very proud” despite the defeat. For Canada, the victory was rooted in a story of migration and belonging. Eustáquio was born in Leamington, Ontario, to Portuguese parents who had come for work in the fishing industry; he moved to Portugal at seven to pursue football, later choosing to represent his parents’ adopted country. In Leamington, the goal was celebrated as a local triumph, with school principals and youth coaches recalling a hard-working boy who had always stood out.

Canada will now face the winner of Monday’s match between Morocco and the Netherlands in the round of 16 on 4 July. South Africa depart with a new benchmark for their football, but the immediate silence in the dressing room told of a chance that slipped away in the dying seconds.