Bafana Bafana's World Cup journey ends in heartbreak

South Africa's remarkable FIFA World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday after a spirited defensive display was undone by a dramatic stoppage-time strike from Stephen Eustaquio, handing Canada a 1-0 victory and a place in the Round of 16.

Having become one of Africa's great stories by reaching the knockout stages for the first time, Hugo Broos' side once again demonstrated the discipline that had defined their campaign.

Facing a Canadian side ranked significantly higher and buoyed by passionate home support in Los Angeles, Bafana Bafana absorbed sustained pressure for much of the contest but never lost belief.

Ronwen Williams produced another commanding display between the posts, while Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba led a defence that repeatedly frustrated Canada's attacking stars.

Canada dominated possession during the opening half but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against South Africa's disciplined defensive block.

Their best first-half opening arrived midway through the period when Derek Cornelius rose unmarked to meet Player of the Match Eustaquio's inviting free-kick, only to head straight at Williams.

Later, Modiba produced a crucial goal-line clearance before Williams reacted brilliantly to deny Tajon Buchanan from close range as Bafana survived a frantic goalmouth scramble.

Broos responded at the interval by introducing Thalente Mbatha, whose arrival added greater composure in midfield as South Africa grew into the contest after the restart.

Broos’ men began finding more joy in possession, with Oswin Appollis emerging as Bafana's most threatening outlet. The winger twice went close, first bending an ambitious effort narrowly wide.

As the match appeared destined for extra-time, South Africa looked increasingly capable of snatching a winner themselves, with Appollis, Mbatha and substitute Iqraam Rayners helping Bafana finish the stronger of the two sides.

Deep into stoppage time, Canada's persistence finally paid off. Alistair Johnston's delivery was only partially cleared to the edge of the area, where Eustaquio controlled superbly before drilling a clinical right-footed finish beyond Williams to break South African hearts.

Having reached the knockout rounds for the first time and pushed one of the host nations to the very last seconds, Bafana Bafana leave the global stage with their heads held high.

"It's a tough stadium, I don't think we can see the (time) of the game," Eustaquio revealed after the game. "I never saw it. I was looking during the hydration breaks to figure out how much time was left but when I scored, I knew it was close to the end.

"We worked a lot to get this victory. We really wanted to give this win to all the Canadians," he said. "We just kept believing, we kept pushing, and I (don't) think we could've imagined it any other way. When I shot, I felt that everybody shot with me. Everybody put a little bit of power on it and it went into the back of the net.

"It started when we came out of the group stage," he said about the belief the team had that they would be able to pull of the victory. "I think when it comes to a knockout of the World Cup, the belief brings a big part to it. And now we're going to get Morocco or the Netherlands and who knows, on a good day that we can make things happen.

"We have a special group, we feel like we are brothers. When we fight for each other, special things can happen. I'm over the moon – but the job's not finished."