Canada strike late to open the knockouts; Japan face Brazil tonight

While you slept

The first knockout game went to the wire. In Los Angeles, Canada and South Africa were locked at 0-0 deep into stoppage time when a headed clearance dropped to Stephen Eustaquio at the edge of the box and he buried it in the 92nd minute. The 1-0 win sent the co-hosts into the Round of 16 for the first time in their men's history. Captain Alphonso Davies, back from a long injury layoff, came on in the 75th minute for his tournament debut and immediately sharpened Canada's left side. Canada now meet the winner of Netherlands vs Morocco on 4 July in Houston. With the group stage already done, this was the only tie decided overnight.

Japan today

Japan came through as Group F runners-up — unbeaten, five points, a plus-four goal difference — and next is their Round-of-32 tie with Brazil at NRG Stadium in Houston, kicking off at 2am on the 30th, Japan time. The big open question is Takefusa Kubo's left knee; Japan are still waiting on a final word from the JFA. Brazil are among the favourites, so this is Japan's first real test of the tournament. Win and they are into the last 16; lose and the tournament is over. This is where single-elimination begins.

What to watch today (JST)

There are no matches during the day on the 29th; the knockouts are stacked into the early hours of the 30th. Japan vs Brazil kicks off at 2am in Houston, Germany vs Paraguay at 5:30am in Boston, and Netherlands vs Morocco at 10am in Monterrey. It is a sleep-stealing window, but starting with Japan's match, half of the last 16 will be settled in those few hours.