South Africa secures first World Cup knockout stage berth with win over South Korea
South Africa makes history, qualifying for the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time ever! Thapelo Maseko’s goal secured a 1-0 win over South Korea. Read
Maseko strike sends South Africa into first World Cup knockouts with win over South Korea
South Africa has achieved a historic qualification for the World Cup knockout rounds, marking the first time the nation has advanced beyond the group stage in the tournament. A second-half goal from Thapelo Maseko secured a 1-0 victory against South Korea on Wednesday, leading to jubilant celebrations for the team, known as Bafana Bafana.
The decisive goal came in the 63rd minute when Maseko, after receiving a precise pass from Tshepang Moremi, shifted the ball to his left foot and drilled a low finish into the bottom right-hand corner of the net. This crucial strike sent South Africa into the last 32, placing them on four points in Group A, behind group winners Mexico, who defeated Czechia 3-0.
Historic Qualification for Bafana Bafana
This qualification represents a significant milestone for South African football. The team had previously participated in three World Cups in 1998, 2002, and 2010, but failed to progress past the group stage in those appearances. Coach Hugo Broos expressed his happiness for the team, highlighting the tactical discipline shown during the match.
Broos described the experience as “fantastic” and acknowledged the toughness of the game. He noted that the team’s tactical approach made it difficult for South Korea to find space, leading to a period of “heart-stopping moments” after the goal. Broos has been working with the team for five years, and this achievement is a culmination of that effort.
South Korea, despite enjoying most of the possession, struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Their captain and former Bundesliga star, Son Heung-min, started the match on the bench and was introduced at half-time in an attempt to spark their attack. However, even with Son on the field, South Africa’s defence remained resolute, clearing attempts and holding their lines.
Key Moments in the Match
The match saw South Korea make an early push, with Kim Min-jae‘s header being cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba in the second minute. Shortly after, Lee Kang-in fired over the bar from inside the penalty area. However, Bafana Bafana gradually found their rhythm and began to threaten.
In the 19th minute, Maseko had an early chance after racing onto a through ball, but Lee Ki-hyuk made a last-ditch tackle to deny him. South Korea’s goalkeeper, Kim Seung-gyu, also made a notable double save, first stopping a shot from Thalente Mbatha and then smothering Evidence Makgopa‘s follow-up effort.
South Africa’s build-up to the tournament was reportedly controversial due to several visa delays, which affected their preparation. Despite these challenges, the team demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the match, particularly in their defensive efforts during the final minutes, with goalkeeper Williams making a crucial save.
South Korea still has a chance to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the tournament. Meanwhile, South Africa will now prepare to face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June.
In other Group A action, Mexico maintained their perfect record in the group stage by defeating Czechia 3-0. Goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, and Alvaro Fidalgo secured their third straight victory, ending Czechia’s hopes of progressing in the tournament.
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Source: theguardian.com
Rohan Gupta
Sports Reporter
