Criticised By All
The Bafana Bafana from South Africa played the first game of the World Cup against Mexico in Group A. They not only lost the match but were criticised for their physical play, which had resulted in two red cards.
Dismayed They Were
Dismayed they were, but the determination to fight it out under their 74-year-old manager, Hugo Broos, saw South Africa force Czechia to a 1-1 draw with a late equaliser.
Had to Beat South Korea
The match against South Korea just a few hours ago at the Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Mexico, had to be won for sure if South Africa had any chances of going through to the next round.
The Bafana Bafana Were Brilliant When It Mattered
The Bafana Bafana played a brilliant tactical game. They defended bravely and were extremely sharp on the counter. The balance was terrific as the South Koreans began to wear out despite holding possession for long periods.
Thapelo Maseko, Seals The Deal For South Africa
The South Africans were always the side that appeared more likely to score with their quicksilver movements, and eventually, in all fairness, they scored. Thapelo Maseko, the 22-year-old from Gauteng in South Africa, playing for Mamelodi Sundowns, struck one, clean as a whistle, to give the South Africans an unassailable 1-0 lead in the 63rd minute.
A Poor South Korean Performance
South Korea did not play to their standards at all. They could manage just two shots on goal despite holding 69℅ per cent possession. The goal attempts were weak, as the South Africans defended exceptionally well to deny the Asian giants.
Mexico Beating Czechia Paves The Way For South Africa
Mexico got the better of Czechia in a 3-0 win, thus eliminating the Europeans and paving the way for South Africa to reach the Round of 32 in an unprecedented turn of events at the World Cup.
Korea Still Have Hope
Korea can still go through, but will have to wait for games in other groups to get over. With 3 points in their bag, they still hold a good chance of progressing to the next round.
It Was A Bafana Bafana Day At The World Cup
Day 14 of the World Cup absolutely belonged to the Bafana Bafana. Virtually rejected by the critics, the gritty ones have made it and will lock horns with Canada on June 29 at 12.30 am IST, at the majestic SoFi Stadium in LA, Inglewood.
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