South Africa secured a historic 1-0 victory over South Korea on Wednesday, advancing to the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in the nation's history.
Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, driving a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner after receiving a precise pass from Tshepang Moremi.
>>> Mavericks Acquire Vsevolod Ishchenko in Draft-Day Trade with Lakers
The win puts South Africa on four points in Group A, behind group winners Mexico who beat the Czech Republic 3-0.
South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.
Historic Achievement
South Africa had failed to progress past the group stage in all three of their previous World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002, and 2010.
>>> Detroit Lions' Terrion Arnold Arrested on Felony Kidnapping, Robbery Charges
South Korea remains on three points but still has a chance to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
The Korean squad left star player Son Heung-min on the bench at the start of the game.
They missed early opportunities when Aubrey Modiba cleared a Kim Min-jae header off the line and Lee Kang-in shot over the crossbar.
>>> Astros Beat Blue Jays 3-1 After Costly Eighth-Inning Error
South Africa created several chances later in the first half, including an effort by Maseko stopped by a tackle from Lee Ki-hyuk, and a double save by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu against Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa.
