South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history on Wednesday, defeating South Korea 1-0 to complete a remarkable turnaround after a disappointing opening defeat.
The Bafana Bafana, appearing at their first World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010, were widely dismissed after a 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico in the opening match.
But a hard-fought draw against the Czech Republic kept their hopes alive before Thapelo Maseko’s second-half winner secured victory in a winner-takes-all clash with South Korea in Monterrey, sealing second place in the group.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos struggled to contain his emotions after the final whistle.
“We scored that goal, and then it was 20 minutes of heartbeats and hoping the game would finish as soon as possible,” said the Belgian.
“So yes, we are in the second round. It’s historic. But I’m especially happy for these players. I’ve worked with them for five years, and what we have achieved together is amazing.”
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made headlines before kick-off by leaving captain Son Heung-min on the bench, a surprising decision involving a player widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest footballers.
The Koreans started brightly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae seeing a powerful header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba before Lee Kang-in fired narrowly wide.
South Africa gradually found their rhythm, playing with confidence and attacking intent, but their finishing let them down.
They should have gone ahead in the 30th minute when Evidence Makgopa pounced after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried a shot from Thalente Mbatha. However, the striker could only direct a weak effort straight at the recovering goalkeeper from close range.
Hong responded by introducing Son at halftime as part of a triple substitution aimed at injecting life into South Korea’s attack.
The second half remained finely balanced. Maseko wasted another promising opportunity for South Africa, while Oh Hyeon-gyu forced a save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.
As news spread that Mexico had taken the lead against the Czech Republic in the group’s other match, the stakes became even clearer: a winner would advance.
South Africa seized their opportunity in the 63rd minute. Tshepang Moremi delivered a cross from the left, and Maseko made no mistake this time, driving a clinical finish inside the near post to spark celebrations among the South African supporters.
South Korea pressed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages, but South Africa held firm to secure a famous victory and a historic place in the last 16.
They will now face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.
Mexico finished top of Group A with a perfect nine points after winning all three of their matches.
AFP
