It was perhaps this generation’s Paul Henderson moment.
Tied in the dying minutes of regulation with South Africa in their World Cup knockout game last Sunday, extra time and penalty kicks loomed for Team Canada’s men’s soccer team.
Just in time for Canada Day, we needed someone to step up as Henderson did on Sept. 28, 1972. (He actually scored winning goals in the three final games against Russia, but he’s mostly remembered and revered for the magical shot in game 8 with 34 seconds left.)
Foster Hewitt’s legendary call, “Henderson has scored for Canada,” defined what many labelled the goal of the century.
That was a different era. We’re in a new century now and on June 28, 2026, Canadian soccer — played by more kids than hockey or any other single sport — needed a new hero to step forward.
Coming in as a substitute after recovering from a serious injury, captain Alphonso Davies’ play inspired the team in the waning minutes. But it was the man who had filled his role as captain, who came through and moved his country into the round of 16.
This is never-before-seen territory for the men’s footie program.
When Stephen Eustáquio fired the ball into the back of the net last Sunday in the dying moments versus South Africa, the adulation unleashed at outdoor watch parties, in pubs and in TV rooms across the country was heartfelt and possibly life-changing for some future football stars.
We expect that single act will inspire kids to take up or continue playing the game — and maybe to someday deliver their own heroic performance on the international stage.
Heroes can come in all shapes, sizes and origins. And Eustáquio, who grew up in rural Ontario’s Leamington community before moving with his family to Portugal, proved that. Thankfully, he returned home to represent Canada.
No matter what happens this Saturday when the 30th-ranked Canadians face Morocco, rated sixth in the world, our men’s team has shown that it is no longer an also-ran, that the country’s developmental programs are working and the future is bright for Canada at the World Cup level.
Could another remarkable World Cup upset be on the horizon?
When Canada hits the pitch in Houston at 1 p.m., an entire nation from coast to coast to coast will be there in spirit, cheering you on. Good luck and may the force be with you.
