SCOTLAND were dealt another major blow as South Africa snatched a 1-0 win over South Korea.
The shock result saw Bafana Bafana leapfrog South Korea into second behind Group A winners Mexico.
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South Africa booked their place in the last 32 Credit: Getty
Thapelo Maseko’s goal on 63 minutes was the difference against South Korea Credit: AP
Son Heung-min’s side had to settle for third.
But their record of three points and a -1 goal difference is two goals better than Scotland after they lost 3-0 to Brazil in Miami.
And it means the Tartan Army dropped down to seventh of the third-placed teams – with the best eight at the end of the group stages progressing.
Thapelo Maseko found the bottom corner on 63 minutes, and it proved the only goal of the crucial game.
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It sparked wild scenes among the South African players, coaches and fans as they booked their place in the knockout stages of a World Cup for the very first time.
South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010.
But they bounced back from a chastening opening-match defeat with nine men to co-hosts Mexico.
A late Teboho Mokoena penalty rescued a point against Czechia.
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South Africa supporters rejoiced in their achievement Credit: Getty
But knowing they needed a win to go through, Hugo Broos’ side stepped up when it mattered most.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a shock call by leaving captain Son – considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player – out of the starting line-up.
The Asian team started strongly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae’s powerful header blocked on the goalline by Aubrey Modiba before Lee Kang-in flashed wide.
South Africa quickly settled, playing with hunger and adventure, but their finishing was wasteful.
Third-place table after June 24 matches
Bosnia & Herzegovina: 4 points, GD -1
Sweden: 3 points, GD 0
Croatia: 3 points, GD -1
South Korea: 3 points, GD -1
Algeria: 3 points, GD -2
Paraguay: 3 points, GD -2
Scotland: 3 points, GD -3
Cape Verde: 2 points, GD 0
Belgium: 2 points, GD 0
DR Congo: 1 point, GD -1
Ecuador: 1 point, GD -1
Senegal: 0 points, GD -3
The top eight third-placed teams progress to the last 32
Son Heung-min was left out of the starting XI Credit: AP
They seemed certain to take the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot.
But Makgopa could only tamely poke the ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range.
Son came on at the start of the second half, one of three changes made by coach Hong as he sought to change the script.
Early in the second period Maseko squandered another good position while South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.
As news filtered through from Mexico City that the host nation were leading against the Czech Republic, there was an added sense of urgency.
South Africa seized their moment with Tshepang Moremi crossing to Maseko, who this time kept his cool, firing home inside the near post in the 63rd minute.
South Korea pushed hard in the closing stages but ran out of time, meaning South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.
