'Freaking ecstatic!' Canadian soccer fans in Tinsel Town swoon over Hollywood ending

An estimated 25K Canadian fans brought the Sea of Red to Los Angeles

In the shadow of Hollywood, leading man Stephen Eustáquio and his Team Canada mates delivered a blockbuster performance against South Africa, launching their star into a July 4 Round of 16 sequel appearance in Houston.

History, delivered in a way only the unscripted drama of live sport can, with a last minute, edge-of-your-seat one-nil win that sent the estimated 25,000 Canadian fans at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles into a frenzy.

David Dubois, from Cache Creek, B.C., was one them, and a cheer leaders in the Voyageurs Canadian fan section up in the nose bleeds.

“I am freaking ecstatic right now,” he croaked. “I’m so happy. I’ve lost my voice. I can’t even put it into words!”

Stephen Eustáquio plays Canada's World Cup hero as last-minute goal defeats South Africa

“Amazing! The best day ever,” said fan Cheryl Paterson. “It’s uncharted territory for Canada!”

“Holy smokes! We weren’t sure if we had it. Super worried, super stressful. It came down to the wire and the boys pulled it together! What a beautiful moment for our country,” said fan Justin Pautler.

The win was especially exhilarating for lifelong fans Kathleen and Colin Kilgour, who have followed Canada on every step of the World Cup journey —from Toronto, to Vancouver, LA, and now on to Houston.

“To see the football culture – soccer culture – really start to take hold in Canada and the supporter culture that comes with that, I mean, we are becoming a footballing nation,” said Colin.

“There was a time when we were just glad to get a point or to score a goal. Our expectations have increased incredibly,” said Kathleen.

Being Team Canada superfans doesn't come cheap. The Kilgours estimate they’ve spent over $10,000 on travel and tickets so far.

“I know it's tested a lot of people. It’s tested us. But at the end of the day, we decided this is something important,” said Colin. “It may delay my retirement date by six or nine months, or a year, but it’s worth it to see these games.”

Cape Verde's dream run continues, becoming smallest country into World Cup knockout round

Canada’s World Cup success is priceless to Melanie Pace, partner of Canadian starting defender Richie Laryea. Pace, her children and extended family on both sides have been at every Canada game.

“It’s a once in a lifetime chance,” she said. “To see Richie out there on the world stage, it’s something that is really hard to put into words, honestly. It's such a big moment.”

Peeking out from his Canada Soccer sunglasses, seven-year-old Elijah Laryea said he’s been both "excited" and “nervous” for his dad.

With one World Cup knockout round win now behind them, the Team Canada men carry momentum into their first ever appearance in the Round of 16.

What 'anti-ambassador' Richie Laryea brings to Canada's World Cup lineup

For fans like Dubois, the joy comes with a scramble to find tickets and travel to Houston.

“I’ll have to do some sweet talking to see if I can go,” he said.

“It’s huge. It’s validation for a lot of people who were always cheering for other nations in Canada. I think you're going to see a shift in that, and those people are now going to be Canadian fans.”

Karin Larsen is a former Olympian and award-winning sports broadcaster who covers news and sports for CBC Vancouver.