South Africa progress to World Cup knockouts for the first time after bombshell call on ‘greatest Asian player of all-time’
South Africa defied the odds to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout round for the first time in their history after upstaging South Korea 1-0. Bafana Bafana were bottom of Group A heading into Thursday’s finale, while South Korea were second and on track to progress to the Round of 32. But, Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute […]
South Africa defied the odds to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout round for the first time in their history after upstaging South Korea 1-0. Bafana Bafana were bottom of Group A heading into Thursday’s finale, while South Korea were second and on track to progress to the Round of 32. But, Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute goal in Monterrey sent shockwaves through the group and across North America as Hugo Broos’ South Africa made history following three group-stage exits at the World Cup, having gone 16 years without an appearance at the showpiece event. Bafana Bafana leapfrogged South Korea into second spot behind co-hosts Mexico, securing a Round-of-32 date against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles. Depending on results elsewhere, South Korea are set to meet Egypt as one of the eight best third-ranked teams, as it stands but they face an anxious wait. And the result will only be amplified by head coach Hong Myung-bo’s decision to drop South Korea legend Son Heung-min for the decisive fixture. DOWNLOAD THE WORLD CUP WALL CHART HEREFOOTBALL360’S WORLD CUP HUBFOOTBALL360’S SOCCEROOS HUBSon – the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player now playing for Los Angeles FC in MLS – was sensationally omitted to the bench against South Africa. “The greatest Asian player of all time left to start on the bench for the most important game in the World Cup for South Korea,” the commentators said. “What a decision that is, by the way. ”It was the latest controversy surrounding Son at the World Cup, where Hong was criticised for withdrawing the former Tottenham star while South Korea were trailing Mexico on matchday two. “At that moment, we were in a situation where we absolutely needed to score,” Hong said via KBS Sports. “I judged that it would be better to bring in a fresher player. ”“In the first half, we didn’t see as many situations as we had hoped due to the intense marking by our opponents… I think Son Heung-min did everything he could, such as making runs behind the defence. ”By commenting, you agree to ourCommenting Guidelines