Canada coach Jesse Marsch admitted Stephen Eustáquio’s dramatic winner against South Africa was one of the most emotional moments of the FIFA World Cup, paying a heartfelt tribute to the midfielder after his stoppage-time strike sent the co-hosts into the Round of 16.
Eustáquio’s composed finish in the 92nd minute secured a 1-0 victory over Bafana Bafana, sealing Canada’s first-ever World Cup knockout win and keeping their dream tournament alive.
But while the goal will be remembered for its importance, Marsch revealed there was a much deeper reason why he was delighted to see the midfielder become the hero.
“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 told reporters after the match.
“He understands how to manage moments and games and how to be a leader a true leader.”
Jesse Marsch delivers an emotional tribute to Stephen Eustáquio after the midfielder’s stoppage-time winner against South Africa, revealing why the goal carried far greater meaning than football.
The Canadian coach then reflected on the personal hardships Eustáquio has endured away from football, explaining why the decisive goal meant so much to everyone inside the camp.
“Obviously, everything that he’s been through with his parents passing away, and him and his brother being really close and what they’ve meant to each other, and the kind of family man he is and the kind of person he is.
“I couldn’t think of a more deserving human being in a group of incredible human beings. Maybe Steph is the most deserving to have a moment like that.”
Marsch became visibly emotional as he completed his tribute.
“I’m really happy for him and I think, from somewhere, his parents are looking down and they saw that.”
Canada team head coach Jesse Marsch.
The American also praised Eustáquio’s composure during the decisive moment, revealing it perfectly reflected one of Canada’s biggest tactical principles.
“We talk a lot about pause around the final third and having calmness not playing slower but having calmness and executing actions.
“In our best moments, you see a lot of it, and in our worst moments, we rush things too much.”
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Marsch said the midfielder showed exactly the composure Canada have been trying to build throughout the tournament.
“It was good to see him in that moment just be in the moment and think about how to strike the ball in a way to give it the best chance to go in.
“So it was really composed and really well executed.”
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The dramatic victory booked Canada’s place in the Round of 16, where they will face either Morocco or the Netherlands as their remarkable World Cup journey continues.
