The 2026 World Cup gives no respite, and the Monterrey Stadium witnessed a clash of styles that ultimately gave life to one of the most combative African teams in the tournament. In a match corresponding to the second round of Group A, South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0, breaking predictions and tightening the standings to critical levels.
The team led by Belgian Hugo Broos, which came in bruised after its debut, set up an extremely solid defensive block and bet on quick transitions. On the other side, the South Koreans commanded by Hong Myung-bo tried to impose their conditions through possession and the imbalance of their individual players, but they crashed time and again against a wall.
The first 45 minutes were a battle of tactics. South Korea tried to hurt with the speed of Hwang Hee-chan and the judgment of Lee Kang-in in the final third, but the South African defense, led by Ime Okon, was imperial. Bafana Bafana, far from sitting back out of fear, pressed in key midfield areas with Sithole and Mbatha, neutralizing the Asian circuits. Halftime arrived with a tight 0-0 that reflected the tension of what was at stake.
Seeking greater aggression, the South Korean coach sent his great star, Son Heung-min, onto the field at the start of the second half. However, just when the Asians seemed to be settling in better, the African hammer blow came.
In the 63rd minute, after a quick breakout and a lapse in Korean retreat, forward Thapelo Maseko found the right space to finish and beat goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. The goal was confirmed after a brief VAR review, unleashing euphoria on the South African bench.
Wounded in their pride, South Korea threw everything forward. Hong Myung-bo refreshed the attack with the entry of tall striker Cho Gue-sung, but the aim was not sharp. Despite desperate attempts in the final minutes and packing the opponent’s area, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams responded confidently every time he was called upon.
The friction increased at the close, resulting in yellow cards for Aubrey Modiba of the home side and for Cho Gue-sung of the visitors, reflecting Korean desperation as they saw three key points slip away.
Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality
These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the National Team. All with 12 interest-free installments:
- Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
- Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
- Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)
Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Look for the codes on Mercado Libre.
para mi corea del sur es puro verso tienen a son y no ganan ni a sudafrica? los asiaticos son humo no saben defender bien los bafana bafana asi se juega con huevos esto es futbol de verdad no la payasada de los koreanos a llorar a la lloreria
Para mí estos sudafricanos son la clase obrera del fútbol, bancando la presión del capitalismo. Corea del Sur con toda su guita no pudo contra el huevo de los Bafana. Son Heung-min un vendido, nene de pecho. ¡Vamos Sudáfrica, a romper el molde del imperio! Muerte al sistema FIFA.