South Africa secured a historic place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time after edging South Korea 1–0 on Wednesday in a decisive Group A clash.
The Bafana Bafana, featuring at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, completed a remarkable turnaround after opening their campaign with a disappointing 2–0 defeat to Mexico.
Following that setback, South Africa responded with a draw against the Czech Republic before producing a disciplined display against South Korea in Monterrey to seal second place in the group.
South Africa claimed victory through a second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko, whose composed finish proved enough to send his side into the last 32.
Speaking after the game, South Africa coach Hugo Broos admitted the achievement was difficult to describe.
“We scored that goal, and it was 20 minutes of heartbeating and hoping that the game should be finished as soon as possible.
“So yes, we are in the second round. It’s historic. But I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve worked with them for five years. And what we did in those five years is amazing,” Mr Broos said.
South Korea’s missed opportunities
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo surprised many by leaving captain Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up.
The Asian side began brightly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae coming close through a powerful header that was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Lee Kang-in also threatened.
South Africa gradually settled and created several openings but struggled to convert.
Their clearest first-half opportunity arrived in the 30th minute after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s effort into the path of Evidence Makgopa, but the striker failed to capitalise.
Mr Hong introduced Son at the start of the second half alongside two additional substitutions in an attempt to change the momentum.
Despite improved attacking intent from South Korea, South Africa eventually found the breakthrough.
Historic breakthrough
With updates filtering in that Mexico had taken control against the Czech Republic, urgency grew on both sides.
South Africa made the moment count in the 63rd minute when Tshepang Moremi delivered a cross that found Maseko, who kept his composure and fired beyond the goalkeeper at the near post.
South Korea pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not break through.
The result means South Africa progressed to the knockout round for the first time in their World Cup history and will now face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June.
Mexico finished top of Group A with a perfect nine points after winning all three matches.
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