Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal as South Africa secured a vital 1-0 win over South Korea at the BBVA Stadium.
The group stage clash carried enormous weight for both nations. South Africa came into the match needing a win to keep their World Cup dreams alive, while South Korea looked to cement their place in the next round.
South Korea dominated the ball from the outset, moving it quickly across the warm pitch at Estadio BBVA. Despite controlling 68 percent of the possession, the Asian side struggled to break down a tightly packed South African defence.
South Africa looked dangerous on the counter-attack, using their pace on the wings. They registered several shots from distance, but could not trouble the South Korean goalkeeper in the first half hour of play.
Keeper Ronwen Williams marshalled his defense superbly for South Africa. He made a crucial save late in the first half to deny a powerful long-range effort and keep the scores level at the break.
The two technicians had to adjust their tactics during the interval. South Korea wanted more penetration in the final third, while South Africa looked for a clinical lead at the break.
Finally, the breakthrough came in the 63rd minute. Substitute Tshepang Moremi found space and made a perfect pass to Maseko, who fired the ball into the net.
South Korea pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but met strong resistance from the African side. South Africa defender Aubrey Modiba received a yellow card in the 73rd minute for a heavy tackle.
Frustration grew for the South Koreans as the clock ticked down. Striker Cho Gue-Sung was booked in the 79th minute for a late tackle on the busy Williams.
South Africa won the tactical battle despite having just 32 percent of the ball. They recorded 13 shots in total for an expected goal rating of 1.1, while South Korea managed eight shots and an xG of 1.0.
This hard-fought victory keeps South Africa in the hunt for knockout qualification. For South Korea, the defeat leaves their progression from the group hanging in the balance before the final day.
