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 co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June – on four points behind Group A winners Mexico, who beat the Czechia 3-0. South Korea, who started with 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 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.
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Goalkeeper 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 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.