On June 28th, in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 thanks to Eustaquio's stoppage-time goal, advancing to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Goalscorer Eustaquio said in a post-match interview that he was delighted to have Alphonso Davies back on the pitch and that he gave everything in taking the shot.
How does it feel to make history?
I think we worked hard for this. We have a very special team; we are like brothers to each other. When we fight for each other and play for each other, special things like this can happen.
I’m very happy, but at the same time, I don’t want to say the job is done. We know we’ll be facing Morocco or the Netherlands next, and that will be a very tough match. We hope that, after watching this game, they’ll find it very difficult to play against us next week. That’s the effect we want.
After the final whistle, Marsch delivered a very passionate speech to you. What did he say? Also, do you think it is time for him to apply for Canadian citizenship?
I think he deserves all of it. He just told us to keep going. Obviously, we are heroes in this country now, because it is the first time we have won a FIFA World Cup knockout match. But at the same time, we also know we have a lot of work to do. Sorry to keep repeating this, but we cannot get carried away right now. We have to stay humble, recover well, and we know we will face a very strong team in six days. But at the same time, I think today we have to enjoy this moment because we have made everyone back home proud of us.
What did you make of this very tight contest? Also, what impact did Alphonso Davies have after coming on as a substitute?
When he came on, I knew it would be a huge boost for the team. Obviously, he's one of the best players in the world and one of the best left-backs in the world. He's our best player. Knowing he is fit and able to push the team forward helps us a lot. The team also worked hard to get through the group stage and give him the chance to play. So I'm very happy he's back.
As for this match, we knew South Africa were a very physical team. Their three midfielders are very strong and cover a lot of ground. They did cause us difficulties when they played the ball into our box. I think we were very compact and disciplined overall. Although the pitch was a bit dry, which may have favored them slightly, I think we deserved the win.
During the hydration break in the first half, you had some intense discussions. What was the main message conveyed by the head coach and coaching staff at that time?
I think we felt that set pieces could be a threat against South Africa, and we also had a few chances in transition. At the same time, we felt the opponent wasn't creating many chances, but they are a capable team and only need one opportunity to score. So at that point, we were a little frustrated because we hadn't scored yet, and if they continued to press, they might score.
The head coach simply tried to keep everyone calm and told the team to keep pushing. In the final stages of the game, we knew the substitutes would make an impact, and we also knew we would continue to press. As you saw, Alphonso Davies came on, and Nicu Sigur also came on. Then Schaffelburg delivered a cross, the ball took a deflection, and it came to me. Everyone is important, and we need everyone.
Did you realize how much time was left when you scored? It felt as though the game was heading into extra time. Can you describe how you felt when the ball came to you?
It’s hard to see the time from the pitch—I don’t think I could see the scoreboard. I never saw the clock, so I could only roughly judge how much time was left based on the hydration breaks. When I scored, I knew the game was almost over, and then we held on for another two or three minutes. We had to believe in ourselves, and I put all my strength into the shot.
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gallasyommy
29
It was a beautiful shot that the whole of Africa is proud of 😁😁😁