MONTERREY, Mexico – South Africa has advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in its history, securing a thrilling 1-0 win over South Korea at Estadio Monterrey. This triumph sets up the first confirmed matchup of the knockout phase: South Africa versus Canada.

Entering the night at the bottom of Group A, South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, climbed to second place in the group thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s decisive goal in the 63rd minute.

South Korea made the surprising choice to keep Son Heung-min, their star player, on the bench for the first half. As Maseko’s strike assured South Africa a contest against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles during the Round of 32, South Korea’s prospects hang in the balance. Their consecutive defeats have pushed them into third place, with an 89 percent chance, according to The Athletic’s prediction tool, of facing the leading team from Group G, currently Egypt.

Son Heung-min’s Surprise Absence

The absence of Son Heung-min was unexpected for fans before kickoff. As South Korea’s all-time top appearance holder with 146 caps, their second top scorer just two goals shy of Cha Bum-kum’s 58, and their captain, he is a vital player.

Visible across the stadium in ‘Heung-min 7’ shirts, fans were stunned by coach Hong Myung-bo’s tactical decision to bench him, although he showed no signs of injury and warmed up to cheers. This bold move came amid Son’s challenging season, having not scored in the MLS across 13 appearances this year. Playing him out of his preferred position at center-forward rather than left-wing or attacking midfield may have been debated.

Perhaps Hong tried to invigorate the team with changes after a narrow victory over the Czech Republic and a lackluster loss to Mexico. The decision certainly intensified the stakes.

Son Heung-min stayed on the bench during the first half, raising questions about team strategy.

South Africa’s First Half Challenge to South Korea

Initially, the talent gap between the teams seemed likely to emerge early at Estadio Monterrey. South Korea boasts players across top world leagues, whereas only seven of South Africa’s 26-man squad play abroad.

Against expectations, the team led by Hugo Broos troubled South Korea throughout the first half. Lee Kang-in’s seventh-minute attempt just missed the goal, thereafter South Africa took charge, with Maseko threatening continuously. His attack in the 19th minute met a solid block by Lee Gi-hyuk, urging focus among teammates that seemed unmet.

South Africa nearly scored in the 30th minute when Maseko broke through and Thalente Mbatha’s shot saw a firm save from Kim Seung-gyu. The rebound found Evidence Makgopa, who shot straight at the keeper, possibly from an offside position.

South Korea needed only a draw to place second in the group, yet struggled significantly, earning them boos at halftime amid three South Africa shots on target and none from South Korea. Their night was set to worsen.

Maseko’s Advantage in Surreal Conditions

The circumstances surrounding South Africa’s winning goal were unusual. As news of Mexico’s goal against South Korea’s competitor spread, Estadio Monterrey celebrated wildly. Fans, including South Koreans due to their friendly history from the 2018 World Cup, delighted at the prospect of easier qualification with Mexico’s advantage.

Amid the frenzy following Mexico’s second goal, Maseko seized the moment, scoring with remarkable skill that shocked South Korea and sparked corner flag celebrations with teammates. Chants switched from “Mexico, Mexico” to “Korea, Korea”, then to “Si se puede”, energizing the venue.

The chaos apparently did not aid South Korea, leaving them unexpectedly in third, needing a goal to rise to second place.

Outlook for Canada in the Round of 32

South Africa’s victory surprised many.

Though they arrived with typical dance and vigor, it expressed deeper significance of reaching the World Cup knockouts against a skilled South Korea. For South Korea, advancing to the Round of 32 was a necessity.

Broos’ team played without pressure yet had opportunities to score in the first half. Maseko’s goal rewarded their persistent offensive from the start.

Now Canada awaits South Africa in their first knockout stage in Los Angeles, a matchup with the unpredictable team. Struggles in their opener against Mexico and a late draw with the Czech Republic preceded their standout performance.

Organized and driven, South Africa posed a strong counter threat. Fortified with Teboho Mokoena’s return from suspension, South Africa aims to control the game flow at SoFi Stadium.

Canada’s team, led by Jesse Marsch, needs to prepare for the unexpected against South Africa, whose rigid strategy upset South Korea. The co-hosts won’t intimidate them.