South Africa reach Round of 32 with historic victory over South Korea

It was a game that neither side could afford to lose - but it was South Africa who found a way to win.

Thanks to a second-half goal from winger Thapelo Maseko, Bafana Bafana overcame an energetic Korea Republic in an exciting, albeit low-scoring, clash to advance to their first-ever knockout match at the FIFA World Cup.

Knowing that only victory would keep their hopes alive, Bafana Bafana rose to the occasion against a South Korean that only needed a draw to progress.

South Africa weathered an early storm as Aubrey Modiba produced a crucial goal-line clearance inside the opening two minutes to deny Kim Min-jae from a dangerous Lee Kang-in corner.

As the first half settled, Broos’ men began to grow in confidence. Relebohile Mofokeng, Maseko and Evidence Makgopa combined well in attack, while Thalente Mbatha came closest to breaking the deadlock when his powerful effort forced an excellent save from South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

The teams went into the interval level at 0-0 with qualification still hanging in the balance.

The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute thanks to a moment of brilliance in attack.

Substitute Tshepang Moremi made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, delivering a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Maseko. The winger shifted onto his left foot before calmly firing into the bottom corner to send the South Africans into celebration while becoming South Africa's second youngest goalscorer in a World Cup at 22 years and 225 days.

The goal transformed the Group A standings and placed South Africa on course for qualification, while South Korea suddenly found themselves needing a response.

Led by captain Ronwen Williams and marshalled superbly by Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bafana Bafana frustrated wave after wave of South Korean attacks.

As runners-up in Group A, Bafana Bafana will play their next match in Los Angeles on 28 June against Group B runners-up Canada.

"I believe the players gave everything they had but it is disappointing that we conceded the opening goal. As for the disappointing result, that responsibility lies with me as the head coach," said Hong Myungbo, Korea Republic coach.

"It is difficult to explain what this feels like. It is a fantastic experience. We played really well and created chances. Tactically we did really well and Korea Republic couldn't find the spaces that they wanted. We scored the goal and then it was 20 minutes with a very high heart rate. What we did in the last five years is amazing. When you work together for such a long time there is a connection and it is more than a relationship between coach and players, we have become friends. We just have to enjoy this," commented Broos.

"It's unbelievable, it feels like a dream. Thank you to the fans, they gave it their all. This is for everyone who supported us but also for those who didn't. There were many people who didn't believe in us. We went through some rough patches. But this team showed that they are capable and strong," added Player of the Match Maseko.