The third and the final match-day of Group A saw co-hosts Mexico play Czech Republic in the Mexico City with South Africa taking on South Korea simultaneously in Monterrey.
Here is how the two games panned out:
South Africa shock South Korea to qualify for the knock-outs for the first time
South Africa secured a historic place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time defeating South Korea 1-0, thanks to Thapelo Maseko's second-half winner. Maseko fired a low shot into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to seal victory and send Bafana Bafana into the last 32 after finishing second in Group A behind Mexico. The result means South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28, while South Korea, who finished on three points, remain in contention to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. The achievement marks a significant milestone for South Africa, who failed to progress beyond the group stage in their previous World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010.
Mexico's impressive start to the tournament has reignited hopes among supporters that the team can finally end its long wait for a World Cup quarter-final appearance, a feat they have not achieved since 1986. Unbeaten in 11 matches and backed by passionate home support, El Tri have looked increasingly convincing, with their defence becoming the first to keep three clean sheets in the group stage since Uruguay in 2018.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup Top Goal Scorers: Cristiano Ronaldo Takes Tally To 10; Lionel Messi Still Tops List
Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora, just 17 years old, continued to impress with another mature performance and played a key role in Mexico's second goal. The night also featured an emotional moment as veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made a late appearance to earn his 154th international cap and feature in his sixth World Cup, drawing one of the loudest cheers from the Azteca crowd.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.