MONTERREY, Mexico : Thapelo Maseko’s second-half goal sent South Africa into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea on Wednesday.
The winger’s 63rd-minute strike secured a landmark win for South Africa, who finished on four points and advanced from Group A behind leaders Mexico, setting up a Round of 32 clash with co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.
South Korea remain on three points and still have a chance of progressing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
South Africa had previously failed to advance beyond the group stage in their three earlier World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010, making Wednesday’s result a historic achievement for coach Hugo Broos and his players.
“It was a fantastic experience. It was so tough today, but it was a good game,” Broos said.
“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 enjoyed the majority of possession and made a bright start despite captain Son Heung-min beginning the match on the bench.
They almost took the lead after two minutes when Kim Min-jae’s header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, before Lee Kang-in fired over from close range shortly afterwards.
South Africa gradually settled into the contest and began creating chances of their own. Maseko nearly broke through in the 19th minute but was denied by a perfectly timed recovery tackle from Lee Gi-hyuk.
Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu then kept South Korea level with an outstanding double save, first stopping Thalente Mbatha’s effort before reacting quickly to deny Evidence Makgopa on the rebound.
Broos’s side continued to absorb pressure effectively, and South Korea struggled to create clear-cut opportunities even after Son was introduced at halftime.
The breakthrough finally arrived just after the hour mark when Moremi threaded a precise pass into Maseko. The winger shifted the ball onto his left foot and drove a low shot into the bottom-right corner, sparking jubilant celebrations among the South African players and supporters.
South Africa held firm through a tense closing period to secure a historic victory and book their place in the knockout rounds for the first time.
For South Korea, defeat was a major setback but not necessarily the end of their tournament, with hopes of progression now dependent on results elsewhere and the ranking of third-placed teams.
