South Africa Make World Cup History With Famous Victory Over South Korea

South Africa produced one of the biggest shocks of the FIFA World Cup group stage on Wednesday, defeating South Korea 1-0 to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Having returned to the global stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, Bafana Bafana appeared destined for an early exit after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Group A winners Mexico in their opening match. However, Hugo Broos’ side responded admirably, drawing with the Czech Republic before sealing a historic qualification with a hard-fought victory in Monterrey.

South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo raised eyebrows before kick-off by leaving captain and talisman Son Heung-min on the bench. The Asians started brightly, with Kim Min-jae seeing a powerful header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba and Lee Kang-in firing narrowly wide.

South Africa gradually settled into the contest and created the better chances, although poor finishing threatened to cost them. Evidence Makgopa squandered a golden opportunity midway through the first half after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s effort into his path.

Son was introduced at the interval as part of a triple substitution, but South Africa continued to grow in confidence. Thapelo Maseko missed one promising opening before finally delivering the decisive moment in the 63rd minute.

Tshepang Moremi’s inviting cross found Maseko inside the area, and the winger calmly drilled his finish inside the near post to spark wild celebrations among the South African supporters.

With news filtering through that Mexico were beating the Czech Republic, the match effectively became a winner-takes-all battle for second place. South Korea pushed forward desperately in search of an equaliser, but Ronwen Williams and the South African defence stood firm.

The victory secures a historic place in the last 32 for Bafana Bafana, where they will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June. Mexico finished top of Group A with a perfect nine-point haul.