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South Africa makes history with first World Cup knockout stage appearance
🇩🇪 Germany /Sports

South Africa makes history with first World Cup knockout stage appearance

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • South Africa achieved a historic milestone by reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
  • The team secured their advancement by defeating South Korea 1-0, finishing second in Group A.
  • Coach Hugo Broos expressed immense pride and emotional satisfaction, highlighting the team's journey and resilience against criticism.

South Africa's national football team, affectionately known as Bafana Bafana, has etched their name in history by qualifying for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the very first time. The team secured this momentous achievement with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea, finishing as runners-up in Group A.

It's unbelievable. I feel like I'm dreaming. I will tell this story to my children later.

— Thapelo MasekoDescribing his feelings after scoring the winning goal and securing South Africa's historic World Cup advancement.

Coach Hugo Broos was overcome with emotion, sinking to his knees as his players celebrated wildly on the pitch. "It's unbelievable. I feel like I'm dreaming. I will tell this story to my children later," said goal scorer Thapelo Maseko, capturing the elation of the historic win. This marks the team's first successful progression beyond the group stage in their fourth World Cup appearance.

This is definitely my last World Cup, because at the next finals I will be 78. And I don't think one should be on the bench at that age - it's not good for health. So I wanted to have a nice finish here.

— Hugo BroosReflecting on his personal aspirations and the significance of this World Cup for him.

For the 74-year-old Belgian coach, this success fulfills a personal ambition. "This is definitely my last World Cup, because at the next finals I will be 78. And I don't think one should be on the bench at that age - it's not good for health. So I wanted to have a nice finish here," Broos stated. He has been instrumental in shaping the team since taking charge in 2021, fostering a spirit that allowed them to overcome challenges and make national football history in front of 51,243 spectators.

I think we have given an answer to all the loudmouths of the past few weeks who thought we had to change something.

— Hugo BroosAddressing critics following the team's historic qualification for the knockout stage.

Broos also took a moment to address past criticisms, stating, "I think we have given an answer to all the loudmouths of the past few weeks who thought we had to change something." He praised his players, describing their relationship as "perhaps something unique," seeing himself more as a friend than just a coach. He considers their achievement "a small miracle." While South Korea faces an anxious wait to see if they advance as a third-placed team, South Africa is already looking ahead to their next challenge against co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.

I consider myself more of a friend to them than just a coach. It is a fantastic relationship.

— Hugo BroosDescribing his relationship with the South African players.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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