Bafana Bafana have historically struggled to deliver when the pressure is at its highest at the FIFA World Cup.
Now appearing in their fourth World Cup, South Africa once again find themselves facing a must-win final group-stage match to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Bafana will take on South Korea in Mexico on Thursday morning in a match that could determine the fate of their tournament.
Bafana’s history in decisive World Cup group matches
South Africa have failed to progress beyond the group stages in all three of their previous World Cup appearances, despite entering their final group match with a realistic chance of qualification each time.
At the 1998 World Cup in France, Bafana needed a victory over Saudi Arabia to reach the Round of 16.
They took an early lead and looked on course for qualification, but defensive lapses allowed the Saudis to turn the game around and lead 2-1. Shaun Bartlett’s injury-time equaliser salvaged a draw, but it was not enough to send South Africa through.
Four years later in South Korea and Japan, Bafana recorded their first-ever World Cup victory with a 1-0 win over Slovenia. Going into their final group match against Spain, they needed only a draw to advance.
South Africa twice came from behind, but Raúl’s winner in the 56th minute handed Spain a 3-2 victory. Bafana needed just one more goal to qualify and pushed forward relentlessly during the final half-hour, but they could not find a way past the Spanish defence for a third time.
The heartbreak continued at the 2010 World Cup on home soil. South Africa entered their final group match against France needing not only a win but also a four-goal swing to stand any chance of progressing.
Bafana made the perfect start, scoring twice in the first half while France were reduced to 10 men following a red card. With plenty of time remaining, qualification suddenly looked possible. However, poor finishing and a lack of composure in front of goal proved costly, while France pulled one back to extinguish South Africa’s hopes.
Bafana in another must-win encounter in World Cup
Sixteen years later, Bafana once again face a decisive final group-stage fixture.
This time, the equation is simple: beat South Korea and qualify for the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.
South Korea could still progress even with a defeat if the Czech Republic fail to beat Mexico but that does not mean the Koreans will approach the match cautiously.
The pressure is firmly on Bafana, who must finally overcome their history of falling short in World Cup deciders.
