South Africa Beats South Korea 1-0 and Advances While Mexico Tops Group

South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 on June 24 at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, securing a place in the World Cup round of 32 for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal in the 63rd minute after a cross from Tshepang Moremi.

South Africa had earlier wasted several chances, including a close-range effort from Evidence Makgopa that was saved by goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu in the 30th minute.

South Korea created opportunities of its own, with Kim Minjae’s header blocked on the goal line by Aubrey Modiba and Lee Kangin shooting wide. Al Jazeera reported that South Korea coach Myung-Bo Hong left captain Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup. Son entered as a substitute at the start of the second half after Hong made three changes at halftime.

Oh Hyeongyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in the second half, but South Korea could not equalize despite late pressure. Mexico completed a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Mexico City on the same day, finishing the group stage with nine points from three wins. South Africa had lost 2-0 to Mexico and drawn with the Czech Republic earlier in the group.

South Africa will face co-host Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.