Group A finished their final group stage matches Wednesday night with Mexico taking on Czechia as South Korea and South Africa dueled for an automatic spot in the round of 32.
Having secured the top spot of the group following their 1-0 win against South Korea on Thursday, Mexico’s final game had no implications on their advancement to the round of 32.
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However, Czechia would seek a win as well as a South African draw or loss to push themselves into the third place and possibly keep their tournament hopes alive.
However, following a scoreless first half, Mexico would stack on three goals in the second to crush any Czech hope of advancing.
South Africa and South Korea faced off in a match that would determine who would advance and who would face possible elimination.
The game would remain even until the 63rd minute when Thapelo Maseko would score the games first and only goal.
With their stunning victory over South Korea, South Africa have taken the second-place spot in Group A.
This marks the first time the nation has ever advanced pass the group stage in a World Cup.
Their round of 32 match will see them face off against Canada at 3 p.m. on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
As for South Korea, while their ticket has not yet been punched, it is more than likely they will be one of the eight third-place teams to advance.
Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official
