South Korea Falls 1-0 to South Africa After Son Heung-Min Benching Jeopardizes World Cup Progress
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 25
South Korea Falls 1-0 to South Africa After Son Heung-Min Benching Jeopardizes World Cup Progress
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 25
Summary
South Korea slipped to third in Group A after a 1-0 defeat in Monterrey, turning a match where a draw was enough into a nervous wait for a best-third-place berth.
Hong Myung-Bo dropped captain Son Heung-Min from the starting XI for the first time in a World Cup since 2010, and the decision drew jeers before kickoff before backfiring on the field.
Thapelo Maseko scored just after the hour mark, finishing Tshepang Moremi's cross after South Africa had already forced several key blocks and saves from South Korea.
Son entered at halftime, but South Korea still failed to break down South Africa's defense despite tactical changes and a late barrage of crosses.
The win sent South Africa into the knockout stage for the first time, while even a South Korea advance now leaves Hong facing scrutiny over a gamble made with the round of 32 in reach.