South Africa makes World Cup history with 1-0 win over South Korea

South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time ever. This is a big change after they lost their first match badly.

The Bafana Bafana are playing in a World Cup for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 2010. Many fans lost hope after their 2-0 loss to Mexico, who topped Group A.

But South Africa fought back. They managed a draw against the Czech Republic and then faced South Korea in a do-or-die situation in Monterrey. Thapelo Maseko scored the winning goal in the second half.

South Africa's coach, Hugo Broos, found it hard to express his feelings about the team's big achievement.

"We scored that goal, and it was 20 minutes of heartbeating and hoping that the game should be finished as soon as possible," said the Belgian coach.

"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."

On the other hand, South Korea's coach, Hong Myung-bo, made a surprising choice by leaving captain Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up. Many consider him Asia’s best player.

South Korea started strong. Stand-in captain Kim Min-jae had a powerful header blocked by Aubrey Modiba right on the goalline. Lee Kang-in also missed a chance by shooting wide.

South Africa quickly found their rhythm, playing with energy and flair, but they missed some chances to score.

In the 30th minute, they looked set to take the lead. The ball came to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot. But Makgopa only managed to poke the ball weakly at the goalkeeper from close range.

Son joined the game at the start of the second half. Hong made three changes to turn the game around.

Early in the second half, Maseko missed another good chance. South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.

As news came in from Mexico City that Mexico was ahead against the Czech Republic, South Africa felt more pressure to score.

They took their chance when Tshepang Moremi crossed to Maseko. This time he kept calm and shot inside the near post in the 63rd minute.

South Korea pushed hard in the last minutes but could not score. South Africa will now face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.

Co-hosts Mexico led the group with nine points after winning all three matches.