JOHANNESBURG, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Thursday congratulated the country's national football team, after Bafana Bafana reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
South Africa secured its milestone with a 1-0 win over South Korea in its final Group A match on Thursday, ensuring a second place finish and automatic qualification to the round of 32.
"The impressive result is a proud moment for South Africa and reflects the team's determination, discipline and fighting spirit on one of the world's biggest sporting stages," the government said in a statement.
The statement added that the team's performance had inspired hope and excitement among South Africans at home and abroad, adding that it hoped the team would continue to fly the national flag high in the tournament.
Coach Hugo Broos praised his players for delivering a disciplined and tactically astute performance, saying the team had shown significant improvement from its previous match against Czechia.
"We played a very good game tactically. We had very quick players on the pitch and we used them very well. We found the spaces at the right moments," Broos told reporters.
Former South Africa international Edward Motale described the achievement as a major milestone for the country's football development.
"We have never gone beyond the first round before, so this is a step in the right direction," Motale told Xinhua. "The team must stay focused and build on this performance. I wish them all the best."
The victory sparked celebrations across the country, with many supporters waking in the early hours of Thursday to watch the match.
"I woke up at 3 a.m. (0100 GMT) to watch the game and I am very happy we won," Durban-based football fan Sam Luthuli said. "South Africans should continue believing in the team."
South Africa exited the World Cup at the group stage in all previous appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010. Bafana Bafana will face co-host Canada in the round of 32 in Los Angeles on June 28. ■
