“Bafana Bafana” beat South Korea and advanced from the group stage of a World Cup for the first time ever.
South Africa secured a historic place in the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the very first time on Wednesday night. The feat was achieved after a narrow 1-0 win over South Korea in the third and final round of Group A, played at BBVA Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.
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Despite the victory, it was actually South Korea who started the best. Already in the second minute, the Asians created great danger when Kim Min-jae headed from a corner – but Aubrey Modiba saved on the goal line. Shortly after, Lee Kang-in came close to scoring with a shot that hit the post.
After the opponent’s breathless opening, South Africa followed up with several dangers. In the 30th minute, Makgopa wasted a great opportunity when he let Kim Seung-gyu save after a first finish attempt from Thalente Mbatha. The biggest chance of the first half, however, fell to Maseko, who in the 39th minute came through alone on a quick counterattack – but shot over the goal.
At half-time, South Korea made three substitutions, including captain Son Heung-min, but it was South Africa who would score the decisive goal. In the 63rd minute, newcomer Tshepang Moremi was played forward by Thapelo Maseko, and with a shot placed near the left post, he provided the only goal of the game.
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With a goal against them, South Korea completely took over the initiative, but they struggled to break down an unusually well-organized South African defense. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stood like a wall and fended off several dangerous finishes. The Asians’ last chance came in the 90+3rd minute when Park Jin-seob narrowly missed a cross from Jens Castrop – before Williams secured the victory for good.
The team’s Belgian coach Hugo Broos could thus celebrate second place in the group with four points – only behind Mexico, who won the group with perfect statistics: nine points out of a possible nine.
In the round of eight, South Africa will face Canada – one of the championship’s co-hosts. South Korea finished third with three points, and will now have to wait for the results from the other groups to see if they advance as one of the best third teams.
