MONTERREY, Mexico: South Korea’s World Cup hopes hang by a thread after a 1-0 loss to South Africa on Wednesday (Jun 24).
The Taegeuk Warriors can still reach the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, but need results elsewhere to go their way.
Thapelo Maseko fired into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South Africa through to the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time.
They finished second in Group A on four points behind winners Mexico and will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Jun 28. South Korea, who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, finished on three points.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said he had deliberately left captain Son out of the starting 11 in the hope the forward could exploit tiring South African legs after the break.
But he conceded his side never found their rhythm.
“We thought that when the opponents had a lot of energy it would be better to use Son later in the game, when they started losing energy and there was more space,” Hong said.
“We wanted to use him when they were weaker.”
South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos praised his side’s discipline after securing a historic victory.
“It was a fantastic experience. It was so tough today, but it was a good game. I think tactically we were very good and it was difficult for South Korea to find space,” he said.
“We scored, then there were 20 minutes of heart-stopping moments. It’s historical, and I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve been working with them for five years.”