South Africa weathered sustained pressure from South Korea to head into the break with the scores locked at 0-0 in a crucial FIFA World Cup group-stage encounter.
Knowing only a victory would keep their qualification hopes alive, Bafana Bafana produced a determined first-half display despite enjoying just 36 percent of possession. South Korea controlled the ball with 64 percent possession but struggled to turn their dominance into clear-cut chances.
Instead, South Africa looked the more threatening side in attack, registering nine shots compared to South Korea’s four. Bafana also tested the Korean goalkeeper three times, forcing three saves, while South Korea managed just one effort on target.
The South Africans also edged the set-piece battle with three corner kicks to South Korea’s two, highlighting their attacking intent whenever they won the ball.
With everything still to play for, South Africa will believe they can find the breakthrough after creating the better chances, while South Korea remain on course for qualification if they can preserve the draw or snatch a decisive goal in the second half.
