South Africa edge South Korea to reach World Cup knockouts with gritty defensive win

South Africa produced a disciplined and at times heroic defensive display to beat South Korea 1-0 in Match Round 3 of the World Cup, securing progression from the group in spite of having just 32% possession.

• South Africa will play with . , on .
• South Korea will play with . , on .

South Africa

• Ronwen Hayden Williams (7.9)
• Khuliso Johnson Mudau (7.3)
• Ime Okon (6.9)
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi (7.3)
• Aubrey Maphosa Modiba (7.3)
• Thalente Mbatha (6.9)
• Sphephelo SMiso Sithole (7)
• Thapelo Maseko (7.6)
• Relebohile Mofokeng (7.3)
• Oswin Reagan Appollis (6.9)
• Sekotori Evidence Makgopa (6.9)

South Korea

Substitutions:

South Africa

• Oswin Reagan Appollis (Tshepang Moremi, 62)
• Thapelo Maseko (Iqraam Rayners, 75)
• Relebohile Mofokeng (Jayden Oswin Adams, 80)

South Korea

• Hee-Chan Hwang (Heung-Min Son, 46)
• Seung-Ho Paik (Jin-Gyu Kim, 46)
• Tae-Seok Lee (Jens Castrop, 46)
• Min-Jae Kim (Jin-Seop Park, 65)
• Hyeon-Gyu Oh (Gue-Sung Cho, 74)

Ball possession:

South Korea dominated the ball with 68% possession and spent long spells camped in South Africa’s half, but were repeatedly repelled by a back line built on sharp interceptions, brave blocks and relentless work in midfield.

Passes:

The decisive moment came in the second half, when South Africa finally capitalised on a rare spell of sustained pressure to score the only goal of the game and tilt a tense, tactical encounter in their favour.

Defense:

## South Africa soak up pressure and strike

Face-to-face:

In a match where South Korea controlled territory for long stretches, South Africa’s approach was clear from the outset: compact lines, aggressive duels and quick breaks when the opportunity arose.

Fouls:

Yellow cards:

• Aubrey Maphosa Modiba (South Africa) at 73 minute
• Gue-Sung Cho (South Korea) at 79 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• South Africa –
• South Korea –

Top 5 World Cup scorers:

1. Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior (2, )
2. Ismael Saibari Ben El Basra (1, )
3. Rubén Estephan Vargas Martínez (1, )
4. K. Alajbegovic (1, )
5. Gessime Yassine (1, )

Line-ups:

Next games:

• South Africa will play with . , on .
• South Korea will play with . , on .