Are you still shaking? Because I am.
The Canadian men’s national team will play in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup. There, they’ll meet a heavyweight of the sport in either Morocco or the Netherlands. Frankly what I’ve just typed sounds absurd, but it’s true.
This match against South Africa was far from a masterpiece, but in the knockout rounds, how you reach your goals matters less.
Canada probed and prodded, but it was the bench led by Alphonso Davies that turned the match with 15 minutes left. And then Stephen Eustaquio secured a place in Canadian lore forever.
Canada plays in Houston for a chance to reach the quarterfinals on July 4th. What a world.
(All ratings from 1-10 with 5 indicating an average performance)
Maxime Crepeau: 8
It wasn’t a hectic day for the goalkeeper, but Crepeau was solid when called upon. Enjoy the rest, Max. It’s going to get busier.
Richie Laryea: 7.5
Early on it was Laryea and Liam Millar enjoying some purchase down their flank, but South Africa did well to shut opportunities down. With South Africa opting to challenge Canada over the top, the Toronto FC defender made a few vital recoveries. His penalty shout just before halftime would’ve been talked about for a long time had the result not gone Canada’s way.
Moise Bombito: 7
Bombito’s return changed the makeup of Canada’s defence for the better. His pace was key in limiting the South African long-ball threat. It was a big ask to start in a match of this importance after a lengthy layoff, but getting 60 minutes of competitive match play bodes well as the tournament grows older.
Derek Cornelius: 7
He looked more comfortable with his familiar partner riding shotgun. Cornelius had a huge chance to open the scoring in the 22nd minute, but his free header was insufficient for the task.
Alistair Johnston: 8
Back to his usual self against South Africa, Johnston was one of Jesse Marsch’s best players on this day. With eight passes into the final third, the Vaughan Azzurri product gave his opposite number Aubrey Modiba and company all they could handle.
Stephen Eustaquio: 9
What a moment for a player that’s given everything for his country. He was good throughout the match, but Eustaquio’s level picked up once Davies came into the game. The winning goal is a product of anticipation, technique and hours of hard work we don’t see. What a time for his first international goal since November 2023.
Nathan Saliba: 6.5
A struggle at times for the youngster who acquitted himself so well against Switzerland. Marsch’s decision to remove Saliba from the game for Niko Sigur changed the complexion of the match.
Liam Millar: 6
Millar was another player that won his place in the lineup thanks to his play against Switzerland, but his final ball continues to be an issue. The Canadian attack diverted away from his wing after some early moments of promise.
Tajon Buchanan: 6
In the opening moments, it seemed as though we were going to get the good Tajon Buchanan: the aggressive winger who takes on his defenders and plays with an edge. He struggled to maintain that level throughout the match.
Jonathan David: 6.5
Marsch’s decision to leave an ineffective David in the game looked wise once Davies provided the spark after the last hydration break. It should be no surprise a player of the Juventus striker’s quality thrives when playing with others that think the game quickly.
Tani Oluwaseyi: 7
Oluwaseyi’s inclusion in the starting lineup was a minor surprise, but Marsch’s unhappiness with some aspects of Cyle Larin’s game were made clear against Switzerland. Tani’s speed and work rate were once again on display, but is he clinical enough to hold off Larin and Promise David?
SUBSTITUTES
Luc de Fougerolles (59’ minute): 7.5
On merit, the 20-year-old didn’t deserve to be dropped for this match as he’s been one of Canada’s better players through three games. But Marsch opted for familiarity in reuniting Bombito and Cornelius. De Fougerolles’ response to the benching was extremely impressive and he was a catalyst in Canada’s push for the winner along with Sigur.
Niko Sigur (59’ minute): 8
What a performance from a player Marsch worked hard to bring into the national team. Saliba’s yellow card perhaps made the decision easier, but inserting Sigur in his place was a bold move that paid dividends. In 31 minutes, the Hajduk Split player made a lasting impression.
Promise David (70’ minute): 7
Linked up with Davies early on and gave South Africa’s weary defenders something else to think about as they longed for extra time.
Jacob Shaffelburg (70’ minute): 7.5
The winger’s cross in the leadup to Canada’s winner is indicative of what Shaffelburg offers this team off the bench: directness. It’s something they don’t have a lot of, and it makes him such a key player.
Alphonso Davies (75’ minute): 8.5
It was 15 minutes, 27 touches and a glimpse of what Canada had been missing without their talisman in the lineup. He operates a half-second quicker than everyone else on the pitch, and Davies’ teammates immediately played with more freedom and belief once he came on.
