South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history, an astonishing turnaround after a dismal opening beat.
Playing in the tournament for the first time since hosting it in 2010, South Africa had been largely overlooked after losing 2-0 to group winners Mexico in their opening match. However, they recovered with a draw against the Czech Republic and then defeated South Korea in a decisive match for second place.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo surprised many by leaving captain Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup. The Asian side began strongly, creating early chances through Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in, but failed to find the net.
South Africa gradually gained control and created several opportunities, although their finishing let them down. Their best chance of the first half came in the 30th minute when Evidence Makgopa was presented with an open opportunity, but his close-range effort was easily saved by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.
Son Heung-min entered the match at the start of the second half as part of a triple substitution aimed at turning the game around.
Both teams continued to create chances, but South Africa finally broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. Tshepang Moremi delivered a cross to Thapelo Maseko, who calmly finished inside the near post to score the winning goal.
South Korea pressed for an equalizer in the final stages but could not find a breakthrough. The result sends South Africa into the next round, where they will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.
Mexico finished top of Group A with nine points after winning all three of their matches.
