MONTERREY, Mexico — South Africa beat South Korea, 1-0, on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history — an astonishing turnaround after a dismal opening defeat.
The Bafana Bafana, playing in a World Cup for the first time since they hosted it in 2010, were widely written off after their 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico in the tournament’s curtain-raiser.
But they battled to a draw against the Czech Republic and came out on top of what was effectively a shootout with South Korea for second place in Monterrey, thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos said it was difficult to put his side’s achievement into words.
“We scored that goal, and it was 20 minutes of heart beating and hoping that the game should be finished as soon as possible,” said the Belgian.
“So yes, we are in the second round. It’s historic. But I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve worked with them for five years. And what we did in those five years is amazing.”
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a shock call by leaving captain Son Heung-min — considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player — out of the starting lineup.
The Asian team started strongly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae’s powerful header blocked on the goal line by Aubrey Modiba before Lee Kang-in flashed wide.
South Africa quickly settled, playing with hunger and adventure, but their finishing was wasteful.
They seemed certain to take the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot.
But Makgopa could only tamely poke the ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range.
Son came on at the start of the second half, one of three changes made by coach Hong as he sought to change the script.
Early in the second period Maseko squandered another good position while South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.
As news filtered through from Mexico City that the host nation were leading against the Czech Republic, there was an added sense of urgency.
South Africa seized their moment with Tshepang Moremi crossing to Maseko, who this time kept his cool, firing home inside the near post in the 63rd minute.
South Korea pushed hard in the closing stages but ran out of time, meaning South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.
Co-hosts Mexico topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches.
Brazil advances
Meanwhile, Brazil punished Scotland’s defensive frailties to advance to the World Cup’s last 32.
Five-time World Cup champions Brazil clinched first place in Group C after defeating Scotland 3-0 in Miami, topping the group on goal difference from second-placed Morocco, who secured their passage after battling to a 4-2 win over Haiti in Atlanta.
South Africa stunned South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to grab second place in Group A and set up a last 32 clash with Canada, who also made history by advancing in second place from Group B.
But Brazil’s victory at the Hard Rock Stadium left Scotland on the brink of elimination, dampening the mood among the travelling hordes of the famous Tartan Army.
The Scots were left ruing a shaky defensive display as Brazil cruised to a comfortable win. Vinicius Junior scored twice for Brazil, pouncing on a horrendous blunder by Scott McKenna to fire the South Americans ahead in the seventh minute.
The Real Madrid striker then nodded in Brazil’s second in first-half stoppage time before Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha added a third in the 60th minute.
Brazil’s win also saw coach Carlo Ancelotti give veteran striker Neymar his first appearance of the tournament, the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer coming on as a second-half substitute.
“We played as a collective and that’s a good thing,” a satisfied Ancelotti said afterwards. “There are many positive things, such as Neymar’s appearance, which can help us.” AFP
