ഇന്‍ജുറി ടൈമില്‍ ഗോള്‍; ദക്ഷിണാഫ്രിക്കയെ വീഴ്ത്തി കാനഡ പ്രീ-ക്വാർട്ടറിൽ

The Canada men's national soccer team scripted history in the FIFA World Cup 2026 by securing their first-ever spot in the pre-quarterfinals after a thrilling 1-0 victory over South Africa. Canada maintained a dominant offensive presence throughout the highly competitive Round of 32 knockout match, but they were repeatedly denied by the brilliant athleticism of South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The North American side significantly amplified their attacking pressure in the seventy-fifth minute when talismanic captain Alphonso Davies made a high-profile return from injury onto the pitch. The tactical breakthrough finally arrived in the ninety-second minute of injury time after a long ball from Alistair Johnston was partially cleared by the South African defense. Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio capitalized on the loose ball to unleash a sensational first-time volley from outside the penalty box that cleanly pierced the bottom corner of the net. This spectacular strike marked Eustáquio's first international goal in two and a half years, effectively avoiding extra time to send a resilient Canada directly into the historic Round of 16.