South Africa Beat South Korea 1-0 to Reach World Cup Knockouts for the First Time Ever

South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history with a 1-0 win over South Korea in Monterrey on Thursday morning.

Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute strike, finishing precisely through the legs of Jens Castrop from Tshepang Moremi's cross, was enough to send Bafana Bafana through as runners-up in Group A behind Mexico, who won all three of their group games. South Africa will face Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday.

South Korea, who left captain Son Heung-min on the bench at kick-off, now face an anxious wait to see if they advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Son was introduced at half time but could not change the game.

It was a match that rarely sparkled. South Africa were happy to sit deep and hit on the counter, while South Korea dominated possession without ever really threatening. A tame Oh Hyeon-gyu header and an early Lee Kang-in strike were among South Korea's rare moments of danger, and South Africa's goalkeeper was largely untroubled throughout.

Maseko's goal was well taken, bringing the ball onto his left foot inside the box before stroking it home at the near post. It was a moment that sparked scenes of celebration from the South Africa fans inside the stadium.

The result is a landmark achievement for South African football. Bafana Bafana had failed to advance from the group stage in 1998, 2002 and when they hosted the tournament in 2010, finishing third in their group on each occasion. They had not even qualified for a World Cup since that home edition 15 years ago.

South Korea opened this tournament with a 2-1 comeback win over Czechia before losing 1-0 to Mexico. They will now need results elsewhere to go their way if they are to extend their stay in the competition.