South Africa stun South Korea to make World Cup history

South Africa stun South Korea to make World Cup history after beating the defending tournament hosts’ group rivals 1-0 and reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. The match took place in Monterrey on Wednesday, when Bafana Bafana rebounded from a 2-0 opening defeat to Mexico in the curtain-raiser. They then drew with the Czech Republic and earned second place by edging South Korea in what the article describes as an effective shootout for the spot, with Thapelo Maseko scoring in the second half. South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos said the goal followed “20 minutes of heartbeating,” while South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a surprise decision by leaving captain Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup. With news that Mexico led the Czech Republic, South Africa seized the moment in the 63rd minute. South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28, after Mexico topped the group with nine points.