World Cup co-hosts Canada believe they could go farther in the competition after they pipped South Africa 1-0 to advance to the Round of 16.
Canada needed a stoppage time goal in Los Angeles Sunday to stay alive in the tournament.
Late match winner Stephen Eustáquio said that with lifted self-belief and more hard work”we might even win it (the World Cup)”.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch hailed his players as “Canadian heroes” for their hard work, character, and the lasting impact of their performance on the sport’s future in the country.
He acknowledged that it was a “wild” game where Canada lacked lethality until Eustáquio’s late goal, noting the team deserved the chance to face a “giant” in the next round.
Captain Alphonso Davies expressed a mix of “joy” and “relief,” emphasizing the team’s resilience and positive impact on inspiring Canadian youth, while striker Jonathan David described the late, dramatic victory as “unbelievable,” while praising teammates for the collective effort and momentum-shifting impact.
