Maseko strike sends South Africa into first World Cup knockouts with win over South Korea
South Africa celebrated a first World Cup knockout berth with jubilant scenes on Wednesday after Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea, who still have a chance of. . .
South Africa celebrated a first World Cup knockout berth with jubilant scenes on Wednesday after Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea, who still have a chance of advancing as one of theeight best third-placed teams. Maseko fired into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South Africa – who will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June – on four points behind Group A winnersMexico, who beat the Czechia 3-0. South Korea, who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, have three points. South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first threeWorld Cupappearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010. “It was a fantastic experience,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said. “It was so tough today, but it was a good game. I think tactically we were very good and it was difficult forSouth Koreato find space. “We scored, then there were 20 minutes of heart-stopping moments. It’s historical, and I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve been working with them for five years. ”South Korea's Son Heung-min reacts at full time as South Africa celebrate. Photograph: Moisés Castillo/APSouth Korea, who enjoyed most of the possession but lacked a cutting edge and inspiration, made the brighter start when Kim Min-jae’s header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba after two minutes, before Lee Kang-in fired over from inside the penalty area shortly afterwards. Bafana Bafana gradually grew into the contest and nearly struck in the 19th minute when Maseko raced on to a through ball, only for Lee Ki-hyuk to produce a superb last-ditch tackle. skip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionMaseko profileGoalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu then made an excellent double save, first denying Thalente Mbatha before smothering Evidence Makgopa’s follow-up effort. After soaking up the early pressure against a South Korea side that struggled to create clear openings, even with captain Son coming on at half-time, South Africa deservedly found the breakthrough. TshepangMoremi slipped a precise pass into Maseko, who shifted the ball on to his preferred left foot before drilling a low finish into the bottom right-hand corner to send his side into the last 32.