South Africa vs South Korea

South Africa pulled off a memorable 1-0 win over South Korea at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, keeping their World Cup dream alive in a tense Group A finale in front of 51,243 fans. Thapelo Maseko was the hero, drilling home the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute to send the Africans through. South Korea had sparked pre-match controversy by dropping captain Son Heung-min ahead of kick-off, a gamble that failed to unlock a resolute South African backline. Yellow cards for Aubrey Modiba (72') and Cho Gue-sung (78') captured the rising tension as the Koreans pressed desperately for an equaliser that never came. South Africa, who were without suspended midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane, advance as Group A runners-up on four points. South Korea finish third on three points and are eliminated — a bitter end to a tournament they needed to make a deep run in.