South Africa reach a first-ever knockout as Brazil and Switzerland top groups
On Wednesday, South Africa did something they had never managed before. Thapelo Maseko poked in a Tshepang Moremi cross on 63 minutes, South Korea found no reply, and a 1-0 win in Group A carried Bafana Bafana into a World Cup knockout round for the first time ever. Group-stage exits in 1998, 2002 and as hosts in 2010; at the fourth time of asking, finally through.
South Africa, out of the group at last
Maseko’s goal sent Bafana into the last 32 behind a Mexico side that won all three games and never trailed. The reward is a round-of-32 trip to Inglewood on Sunday against Canada, a sentence nobody in Johannesburg is complaining about. South Korea, fancied going in, go home in third.
Brazil stroll, Scotland sweat
Brazil did Brazil things. Vinícius Júnior scored twice, in the 7th minute and again around half-time, Matheus Cunha made it three on the hour, and a 3-0 win over Scotland sealed Group C without Carlo Ancelotti’s side breaking sweat. Vinícius became the first Brazilian since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to score in each of his country’s first three World Cup games, and Neymar got a 76th-minute cameo on his return from a calf problem. Scotland, beaten, now wait to learn if their points sneak them in as one of the best third-placed teams.
Switzerland spoil the co-hosts’ party
Canada wanted top spot in Group B and a home knockout tie in Vancouver. Switzerland had other ideas. Ruben Vargas smashed one in 40 seconds into the second half, Johan Manzambi doubled it, and though Promise David pulled one back on 75 minutes the Swiss held on for a 2-1 win and first place. Canada still go through as runners-up, just with their suitcases out: a trip south rather than a night at BC Place.
Group A: Mexico top with nine points; South Africa join them in the last 32 for the first time ever.
See how the bracket is taking shape on the live table.
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