South Africa reaches knockout round in World Cup for first time ever

South Africa leaned on its strong defense and used long, often diagonal passes up the pitch into open spaces to its forwards to set up scoring chances.

South Africa’s Aubrey Modiba hugs Samukelo Kabini after winning the World Cup Group A soccer match between South Africa and South Korea in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico. AP Photo/Sofia Yaker

South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday night, a historic result that secured its place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history of World Cup appearances.

South Africa will face Canada on Sunday, in the tournament’s first knockout round game.

An underdog in the tournament given its 61st ranking by FIFA, South Africa began the World Cup with a 2-0 loss to host country Mexico, managing only three shots – none on target. But the beginnings of South Africa’s turnaround could be seen in the data. Across its three group-stage games, South Africa only surrendered three goals, leaning on its defense to withstand offensive pressure and regain possession of the ball.

Offensively, South Africa used long, often diagonal passes up the pitch to its forwards into open spaces to set up scoring chances. The graphic below shows South Africa’s passes from its first three matches. The gray lines represent completed passes, orange lines are passes that led to shots, and the thick red line is the pass that led to an assist.

South Africa’s lone goal in the second half against South Korea on June 24 proved the difference in the match and exemplified its long passing strategy in action. South Africa won the ball near its own goal and made a series of passes up the pitch on the left side. After receiving a long pass, forward Tshepang Moremi carried the ball toward the net, cutting sharply and making a crossing pass to forward Thapelo Masko, who fired a shot past the goalkeeper.