Canada secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa in the first knockout match of the World Cup, courtesy of a stoppage-time strike from captain Stephen Eustaquio. The win booked Jesse Marsch's men a place in the last 16 against either Morocco or the Netherlands.
Emotional Eustaquio Pays Tribute to Late Parents
Eustaquio was left in tears after scoring the winner in the second minute of injury time at the Los Angeles Stadium. The 29-year-old midfielder, who plays for LAFC, dedicated the goal to his family, revealing that his mother died in 2023 after battling brain cancer and his father passed away from a heart attack a year later.
"Everything I do is for my family, for my parents, for my girlfriend, for my daughter," an emotional Eustaquio said. "For my friends back home. For everyone."
He added: "I think we worked a lot to get this victory. We really wanted to give this win to all of the Canadians. We just kept believing, kept pushing and I couldn't have imagined it any other way."
Manager Jesse Marsch praised his team: "They are Canadian heroes, that's what I told them at the end. They are now Canadian heroes. I am so happy for them."
England's Right-Back Woes Continue
England's right-back injury crisis deepened as Jarell Quansah limped off during the second half of their 2-0 win over Panama. The Bayer Leverkusen defender, who is not a natural right-back, joins Newcastle's Tino Livramento and Chelsea's Reece James on the injury list.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed: "A classic ankle twist and he is in pain. He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice."
Tuchel admitted the situation is concerning: "Naturally of course, we have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah but it is our job to find solutions and we will do."
Djed Spence is now the preferred right-back, with Trevoh Chalobah and Ezri Konsa as alternatives. The decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad has been questioned, as Tuchel is left with less creative options.
Manchester United's Ugarte Faces Long Layoff
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is expected to miss an extended period after suffering a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture during Uruguay's World Cup defeat to Spain. The 25-year-old, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for £50 million, fell awkwardly before half-time and was stretchered off.
The club confirmed a knee ligament problem but did not specify if it was an ACL tear. Ugarte had started only eight Premier League games last season and had been tipped for a summer exit. However, the injury now makes a transfer unlikely.
Ugarte took to social media, calling it "the most serious injury a footballer can face" and said he felt at "rock bottom."
Arsenal's Saliba Set for France Return
Arsenal defender William Saliba is expected to return to France's starting XI for their Round of 32 match against Sweden. Saliba missed the final group game against Norway due to a back issue, with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix impressing in his absence. Didier Deschamps is likely to restore Saliba to face Arsenal teammate Victor Gyokeres.
