ALISTAIR JOHNSTON and his Canadian team-mates were celebrating in Los Angeles last night.
The World Cup co-hosts made history by reaching the last 16 of the competition after Stephen Eustaquio scored a stoppage-time winner to overcome stubborn South Africa 1-0 in a dramatic conclusion to a hard-fought encounter.
The Celtic right-back had been outstanding throughout, but it looked as though the game was heading for extra-time until the 92nd-minute strike.
OUT OF SIGHT…Alistair Johnston celebrates Celtic’s Scottish Cup triumph last month and he has taken the winning touch into the World Cup Finals with Canada.
Eustaquio chested the ball down about 20 yards out before whipping a vicious low drive past the sprawling and helpless Ronwen Williams to his right.
The nearest to a breakthrough goal before that was a header from Moise Bombito which had been scrambled off the line by Aubrey Modiba.
Johnston and Co will now face Morocco or Netherlands in Houston on Saturday.
After the well-earned win, delighted Canada boss Jesse Marsh, according to a Sky Sports report, told his victorious players: “You guys showing your character, you guys are Canadian heroes now.
“Canadian heroes, for the future children of this country. This sport has a big future because of you guys.
“You should be so proud of who you are, because of this game.”
