Bafana Bafana have not faced South Korea or any Asian nation in the past 16 years.
The last Asian side South Africa played was North Korea in a pre-World Cup friendly in Germany in 2010.
The match ended in a goalless draw, with Bafana producing a largely uninspiring performance just weeks before hosting the FIFA World Cup.
This Thursday, Hugo Broos’ men will take on South Korea in a, knowing that victory would secure their place in the knockout stages.
While many South Africans may not be familiar with the current South Korean squad, the Asian giants boast an impressive World Cup pedigree.
Why Bafana should be wary of South Korea
They (South Korea) have reached the knockout rounds in three of the last six tournaments, including their memorable run to the semi-finals on home soil in 2002.
That side featured stars such as Park Ji-sung, Choi Jin-cheul and Lee Young-pyo, who helped South Korea achieve a historic fourth-place finish. Four years later in Germany, they were unable to replicate that success and exited in the group stages despite earning a respectable 1-1 draw against eventual finalists France.
South Korea returned to the Round of 16 in 2010 after finishing second in their group, highlighted by an impressive victory over Greece.
The 2014 tournament proved more difficult as a new generation of players emerged, with Son Heung-min beginning to establish himself as the face of South Korean football.
Now, more than a decade later, South Korea face another must-win situation. A defeat against Bafana could send them crashing out of the tournament.
Historically, the Koreans have found African opposition difficult to overcome, particularly teams capable of matching their physical intensity.
Which South Korea players can trouble Bafana?
At the back, Kim Min-jae brings leadership, strength and vast experience. The Bayern Munich defender is dominant in aerial duels and could pose serious problems for South Africa’s attack and set-piece defence.
Out wide, Jens Castrop offers energy, pace and quality delivery into the penalty area. His forward runs could keep Bafana’s full-backs under constant pressure.
In midfield, Lee Jae-sung remains one of South Korea’s most influential players. The Mainz playmaker has earned more than 100 caps for his country and continues to dictate the tempo of matches with his intelligence and creativity.
Korea has PSG and Bayern players in their squad
Then there is Lee Kang-in. The Paris Saint-Germain star has developed into one of Asia’s brightest talents and is expected to play a key role in the contest. His battle against South Africa’s midfield, which could include Sphephelo Sithole and Jayden Adams, may prove decisive.
While much of the spotlight will fall on South Korea captain Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan could be the player who causes Bafana the most problems.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward possesses explosive pace, intelligent movement and a keen eye for goal, making him a constant threat in transition.
Bafana can compete with South Korea physically and athletically, but there remains a gap in terms of tactical cohesion and game management at the highest level.
South Africa have also looked vulnerable when defending set-pieces, an area South Korea could look to exploit.
South Korea don’t need to beat Bafana to progress to next round
With several players performing in Europe’s top leagues, the Koreans arrive as a well-drilled and experienced outfit. Bafana, meanwhile, are still striving for consistency on the global stage.
The two sides meet on Thursday morning, with kick-off scheduled for 03:00 (SA time), in what promises to be a defining match in Group A.
