South Africa Advances to World Cup Knockout Stage

South Africa progressed to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time with a 1-0 victory over South Korea. The match took place on Wednesday night, with Thapelo Maseko scoring the decisive goal in the 63rd minute. Maseko benefitted from an accurate cross from Tshepang Moremi, ensuring South Africa’s second-place finish in Group A behind Mexico, who won all their group-stage matches.

South Africa will face Canada, the second-place team from Group B, in a knockout game scheduled for Sunday in Inglewood, California. Maseko had a total of five shots during the match and is leading South Africa with eight shots throughout the tournament. Reflecting on his achievement, Mamelodi Sundowns’ forward Maseko expressed his advice to his younger self: “The one thing I would say is ‘keep dreaming.’”

The team opened the World Cup with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico but managed a late goal to draw 1-1 with the Czech Republic. South Africa, historically failing to advance past the group stage in 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010, needed a win against South Korea to move forward.

During the Wednesday match, South Korea’s defender Lee Gi-hyuk and South Africa’s forward Evidence Makgopa competed fiercely for possession. The team’s head coach, Hugo Broos, praised their resilience despite the tournament’s challenging start. “The mentality in this group is amazing,” Broos commented. “Everybody is working for everybody. We are not afraid of other teams.”

Sphephelo Sithole, who was sent off in the opening game against Mexico, played a significant role in maintaining a clean sheet. Sithole shared his experience: “In the first two, three days, it wasn’t easy. I needed to pick myself up. I’m very proud of myself because I did.”

Maseko, a player from Mamelodi Sundowns, missed early chances before securing the victory. He received the ball from a cross on the right side, moved inside, and skillfully placed the ball through a defender’s legs into the bottom corner. The South African substitutes celebrated Maseko’s first World Cup goal across the sideline. When the final whistle sounded, the bench joined the players on the field to celebrate together.

South African fans rejoiced after the narrow win against South Korea, a match witnessed by many, including photographer Yuri Cortez and Luke Hales. After the match, 74-year-old coach Broos said: “(The final whistle) for me was a rush of emotions not only because we won the game, but also because it will probably be one of the last games of my career.”

South Korea’s head coach Hong Myung-bo made the notable decision not to start star player Son Heung-min, instead opting to introduce him as a substitute. Hong mentioned that he planned to deploy Son when South Africa’s defenders tired. “If I knew the result beforehand, I probably would have made some different choices,” Hong admitted, emphasizing the responsibility of coaching decisions.

South Korea began their World Cup with a comeback 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic but fell short 0-1 to Mexico in their second match. The Taegeuk Warriors still have a chance to proceed in the tournament, pending outcomes from other matches this week.

The South Korean team became the first Asian side to reach the knockout rounds in 2002, finishing fourth overall. The Taegeuk Warriors advanced beyond the group stage again in 2010 and 2022, reaching the round of 16 each time.