SOCCER: Marsch says Eustaquio’s late parents were 'looking down' on Canada winner

Canada booked a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner in a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, with head coach Jesse Marsch saying the moment was one Eustaquio's late parents would have been proud to witness.

The 29-year-old midfielder struck a powerful half-volley from outside the penalty area in the second minute of added time, breaking the deadlock in a tightly contested match at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Following the match, Marsch praised Eustaquio's character and resilience, describing him as one of the most deserving players on the team to experience such a defining moment.

"I couldn't think of a more deserving human being in a group of incredible human beings," Marsch told reporters. "Maybe Steph is the most deserving to have a moment like that. So I'm really happy for him, and I think from somewhere his parents are looking down, and they saw that."

Eustaquio endured significant personal loss over the past two years, losing his mother in April 2023 and his father in May 2024.

Marsch said Eustaquio has consistently demonstrated leadership, composure, and a deep understanding of the team's identity.

"Steph is one of the people in the team that I think is the most reliable and understands what we're trying to achieve as a group," Marsch said. "We talk a lot about having calmness. It was good to see him in that moment just thinking about how to strike the ball in a way to give it the best chance to go in."

The Canadian coach also believes the dramatic nature of the victory will inspire fans back home.

"The timing of the goal means that the win is incredibly dramatic. I think the effect that it will have in Canada and the inspiring of people will be immense," he said.

Marsch added that relocating from Canada to Los Angeles for the knockout stage did not affect the squad, noting that the team regularly plays matches in the United States.

"We're used to playing in the States. We actually play more games in the States than we do in Canada," he said.

Canada will face either Morocco or the Netherlands in the Round of 16 in Houston on July 4. Marsch welcomed the opportunity to challenge one of the tournament's strongest teams.

"I feel like it's a free hit, and we're going to go after it and do everything we can to see if we can find a way to get a win," he said, describing Morocco as "a modern giant" and the Netherlands as "a traditional giant." -Reporting by Hatem MaherEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters