Maseko goal sends South Africa to World Cup knockouts for first time

Maseko fires Bafana Bafana into the knockout stage

South Africa 1–0 South Korea, and your team are through. Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute (5), sending Bafana Bafana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history (1) (4) (7) (8). Hugo Broos, 74, dropped to his knees at the final whistle (9).

The goal came from a move that finally broke a stubborn South Korean defence. Maseko latched onto a ball in the box and buried it past the goalkeeper (2). South Korea pushed hard late on, but Ronwen Williams produced a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the lead (1) (4).

Broos summed up the mood afterwards: the squad has become a tight unit, the kind of group that celebrates together and fights for each other (5).

Mexico sweep Czechia aside, group picture complete

Mexico 3–0 Czech Republic, a result that sealed Group A (10). Mexico finish top with a perfect record. South Africa go through as runners-up. Czechia and South Korea head home.

Canada await in Los Angeles on Sunday

The reward: Canada in the round of 32. The match is set for Sunday at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles (4) (10) (11). It will be the first round-of-32 match ever played at a World Cup (reddit). A fresh bracket, a fresh chance.

Fan reactions

The streets are loud. Reddit threads filled up fast with Maseko's goal, Williams' late save, and the sight of Broos on his knees (1) (4) (5). Fans are already pointing out the historical footnote: South Africa vs Canada will be the first round-of-32 game in World Cup history, and Bafana Bafana get to open it. Full thread here