Bafana Bafana's World Cup dream ends in a painful stoppage-time death

South Africa were seconds away from getting the match into extra time against Canada. The idea, the hope, was to push themselves to the limits and, probably, reach the glorious success from the spot after 120 minutes of a stalemate. However, the risky tactics of Hugo Broos and his men were crushed the most painful way tonight - with a stoppage time screamer!

Stephen Eustaquio nailed it superbly in the 92nd minute to launch Canada to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, where they'll face the winner of the Morocco-Netherlands tie.

In truth, we did expect a slow-paced match. Both teams were eager to stay disciplined at all costs. Yet, we did not expect it to be this slow.

The loud boos during the first hydration break spoke for themselves, as the fans - especially the Canadians - were disappointed with the show. There was no entertainment, nor any promising chances on either end, with the tournament's co-host being slightly more offensively oriented.

Moise Bombito received a pass inside Bafana Bafana's box and attempted a shot, but Aubrey Modiba intercepted on the goal line, preventing a likely goal and keeping South Africa level.

The only other moment worth mentioning in the opening half was a penalty appeal, as Richie Laryea of Canada hit the ground after colliding with Khuliso Mudau. The VAR was not consulted, but the replays we saw on TV showed that the attacker did get the slightest touch on the ball before the forward, which proves that the referee made the right decision.

At that point, it already felt as if South Africa were hoping to take the game all the way to penalties. This was because of their goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who saved four penalties in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Regardless of the reasoning, we thought that the second half couldn't get any worse. Alas, it proved to be nothing more than wishful thinking.

Things unfolded just the way Broos probably demanded at half-time. Most of the time was spent on wasteful passes between the keepers and their defenders.

Jesse Marsch's team then created a sudden opportunity when Tani Oluwaseyi shot, forcing Ronwen Williams into a dramatic save. Jonathan David nearly scored on the rebound, but Mbekezeli Mbokazi cleared the ball from danger, denying Canada and preserving the tie.

Alas, the Canadian captain had other plans...

In the second minute of the stoppage time Eustaquio pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box and smashed it into the bottom corner for ecstatic celebrations. South Africa punched above their weight with miraculous wins against South Korea and Czechia and which provided them their first-ever knockout-stage game. Unfortunately, it will be their last one at this World Cup.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 1-0 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

20.00: (1.73) Brazil (3.60) Japan (5.20)

23.30: (1.40) Germany (4.60) Paraguay (8.00)

Tuesday

04.00: (2.20) Netherlands (3.15) Morocco (3.75)

20.00: (3.50) Ivory Coast (3.55) Norway (2.10)

00.00: (1.30) France (5.80) Sweden (9.00)

Wednesday

04.00: (2.25) Mexico (2.95) Ecuador (3.85)

19.00: (1.30) England (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)

23.00: (2.15) Belgium (3.25) Senegal (3.75)

Thursday

03.00: (1.43) USA (4.60) B&H (8.50)

22.00: (1.32) Spain (5.25) Austria (10.0)

Friday

02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)

06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***