South Africa stun South Korea to reach knockout stage

South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey to book their place in the World Cup knockout stage.

Tapelo Masoko scored the only goal in the 63rd minute, giving South Africa three points that reshaped Group A. The result moved Bafana Bafana onto four points and into second place, enough to reach the last 16 for the first time in their fourth World Cup appearance.

South Africa had gone into the final round of group games bottom of the table with just one point, but their win over South Korea, combined with Czech Republic's defeat to Mexico, produced a dramatic turnaround.

Mexico thrashed the Czech Republic 3-0 in the group's other match to finish top on nine points. South Korea ended third on three points and will wait to see whether their total is enough to go through as one of the best third-placed sides. The Czech Republic exited with one point.

Argentinian referee Facundo Tello booked South Africa's Aboubakar Modiba and South Korea's Cho Gue-sung.