South Africa Secures First World Cup Knockout Berth with Win Over South Korea

South Africa celebrated a first World Cup knockout berth with jubilant scenes on Wednesday after Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea, who still have a chance of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Maseko fired into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South Africa – who will face the co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June – on four points behind the Group A winners, Mexico, who beat the Czechia 3-0. South Korea, who started with their talisman, Son Heung-min, on the bench, have three points.

South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup appearances, in 1998, 2002 and 2010.

“It was a fantastic experience,” South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, said. “It was so tough today, but it was a good game. I think tactically we were very good and it was difficult for South Korea to find space.

“We scored, then there were 20 minutes of heart-stopping moments. It’s historical, and I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve been working with them for five years.”

South Korea, who enjoyed most of the possession but lacked a cutting edge and inspiration, made the brighter start when Kim Min-jae’s header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba after two minutes, before Lee Kang-in fired over from inside the penalty area shortly afterwards.

Bafana Bafana gradually grew into the contest and nearly struck in the 19th minute when Maseko raced on to a through ball, only for Lee Ki-hyuk to produce a superb last-ditch tackle.

Kim Seung-gyu then made an excellent double save, first denying Thalente Mbatha before smothering Evidence Makgopa’s follow-up effort.

After soaking up the early pressure against a South Korea side that struggled to create clear openings, even with their captain, Son, coming on at half-time, South Africa deservedly found the breakthrough.

Tshepang Moremi slipped a precise pass into Maseko, who shifted the ball on to his preferred left foot before drilling a low finish into the bottom right-hand corner to send his side into the last 32.