Stephen Eustaquio scored a 92nd-minute winner as Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles to progress to the last 16 of the World Cup.
Co-hosts Canada lost their home advantage having failed to win Group B, but they still dominated a game between two sides each playing their first World Cup knockout match.
The game had appeared destined for extra time despite a string of chances for Canada, but Eustaquio made the one that came his way count to score what will instantly become the most famous goal in his country’s footballing history.
Canada’s reward is a tie with the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4.
Eustaquio writes stunning new chapter in Canada’s World Cup history
Chances were few and far between in the first half, though Canada went agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time as Moise Bombito saw his goal-bound header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, with Ronwen Williams then denying Tajon Buchanan on the follow-up.
Controversy followed when Richie Laryea went down in the box under a challenge from Khuliso Mudau, but referee Joao Pinheiro’s decision to wave away Canada’s penalty claims was backed up by VAR.
There was more frustration for Canada in the 64th minute as Tani Oluwaseyi raced through on goal only to be thwarted by Williams, with the rebound brilliantly cleared by Mbekezeli Mbokazi to prevent Jonathan David nodding in the rebound.
Shortly after Alphonso Davies was introduced for his first appearance of the tournament, Canada saw another opportunity go begging as Promise David curled narrowly wide from long range.
Jonathan David drew a near-post save from the impressive Williams, before Maxime Crepeau was required at the other end to repel an Oswin Appollis drive.
But Canada’s superiority told in stoppage time, as Eustaquio took advantage of South Africa’s failure to clear a delivery into the box, bringing the ball down with his chest before powering an unerring strike into the bottom-left corner to ensure the co-hosts’ journey will continue in Houston next Saturday.
