South Africa vs South Korea: 1 goal that makes all the difference
The South Africa vs South Korea match was historic, and significant in number of ways. For the first time since 1930 when World Cup tournament began, South Africa is reaching the knockout stage after it stunned South Korea in 1-0 victory.
It was really a turnaround for the Bafana Bafana after a very bad start. They had lost 2-0 in their game with host country Mexico, before gaining a draw with Czech Republic in Group A. Exactly at 63rd minute into the game, Thapelo Maseko netted the goal that make all the difference for the African nation.
The South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo tried to exploit weakened Bafana Bafana by reserving for a second-half Son Heung-min, the unarguable Asia’s greatest player of all time. Although the Asians control the pitch at the start of the game without Son, fans were stunned at the coach’s decision. Son could not help break the goalless tie, and his presence could not end their defeat either.
With this loss, South Korea are now at third place in Group A. They could only hope to emerge as one of the third-place team to be able to continue in the tournament.
South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.
Mexico is at the top in Group A with nine points, having won all of their three matches.
south Africa vs South Korea