South Africa made history by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time with a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Korea in Monterrey, thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s second-half winner.
The result sent South Africa through to the last 32, where they will face Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday, while South Korea’s hopes now depend on qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
In a tight match, South Africa defended deep and looked dangerous on the counter, while South Korea dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances.
Maseko settled it in the second half, cutting inside and firing through Jens Castrop’s legs into the near corner.
South Africa’s persistence earned a historic qualification, ending their long wait for a World Cup knockout berth.
