South Africa beat South Korea to reach first World Cup knockout round
Thapelo Maseko’s second-half goal gave Bafana Bafana a 1-0 win in Monterrey and set up a knockout match with Canada.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, AFP reported. The result completed a sharp recovery for Bafana Bafana after they began Group A with a 2-0 loss to Mexico.
According to AFP, Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, finishing from Tshepang Moremi’s cross inside the near post. The win sent South Africa through in second place, while Mexico finished top of the group with nine points after winning all three matches.
AFP reported that South Africa had returned to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. After losing to Mexico in their opener, they drew with the Czech Republic before entering the South Korea match in what AFP described as a direct contest for second place.
South Korea coach Myung-Bo Hong left captain Son Heungmin out of the starting lineup, AFP reported. Son, described by AFP as considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player, was introduced at the start of the second half as part of three changes.
South Korea made the stronger start, according to AFP. Stand-in captain Kim Minjae had a forceful header stopped on the goal line by Aubrey Modiba, and Lee Kangin later sent an effort wide.
South Africa then gained a foothold and created chances, but AFP reported that their finishing let them down before halftime. In the 30th minute, Evidence Makgopa had a close-range chance after goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu pushed away a shot from Thalente Mbatha, but Makgopa directed his effort straight at the goalkeeper.
AFP said both teams had openings early in the second half. Maseko failed to take advantage of one South African attack, while South Korea forward Oh Hyeongyu forced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into action at the other end.
The pace of the match increased as word came from Mexico City that Mexico were ahead against the Czech Republic, AFP reported. South Africa then found the breakthrough when Moremi supplied Maseko, who converted to put Bafana Bafana in front.
South Korea pressed in the closing stages but could not find an equaliser, according to AFP. The defeat ended their hopes of overtaking South Africa in the group.
South Africa will next face cohosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28, AFP reported. Their place in the knockout rounds marks a first for the national team at a World Cup.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.