Jesse Marsch applauds Stephen Eustaquio's 'leadership and composure' in dramatic Canada win

Canada secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday after Eustaquio fired a powerful half-volley from outside the penalty area in the second minute of added time. The goal ended a tense contest and booked Canada's place in the knockout stage.

Marsch reserved special praise for the 29-year-old, who lost his mother in April 2023 and his father in May 2024.

"I couldn't think of a more deserving human being in a group of incredible human beings," Marsch said after the match.

"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."

The Canada coach also highlighted Eustaquio's leadership and composure, qualities he believes have become central to 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."

Marsch believes the dramatic nature of the victory will inspire supporters across Canada.

"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.

Canada had recently relocated to Los Angeles after completing the group stage, but Marsch insisted the move caused little disruption because his side regularly plays matches in the United States.

Attention now turns to the knockout round, where Canada will face either Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on July 4.

Marsch welcomed the challenge against either opponent and promised his team would attack the match without fear.

"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."