With a place in the knockout rounds still up for grabs, South Africa and South Korea meet in Guadalupe knowing there is little margin for error. The final round of Group A has left both nations with work to do, although the Taegeuk Warriors hold the stronger hand after collecting three points from their opening two matches.

By the time the final whistle sounds in Guadalupe, one of these teams could be celebrating a place in the knockout rounds. The other may be facing an early flight home.

South Africa seeking one last push

South Africa remain alive in the competition, but they have not had an easy route to this point. Hugo Broos’s side were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Mexico in their opener before recovering to earn a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic.

That point kept Bafana Bafana in contention, although their overall performances have done little to suggest they are ready to embark on a deep World Cup run. They have now gone six matches without a victory in all competitions and have struggled to turn encouraging spells of possession into meaningful attacking pressure.

The draw against the Czechs at least showed resilience. Teboho Mokoena’s penalty rescued a result after another difficult evening, but South Africa still looked vulnerable whenever they were asked to defend transitions or deal with direct attacking play.

A win here would give them a genuine chance of progressing, but anything less would almost certainly bring another group-stage exit, continuing a trend that has followed the nation throughout its World Cup history.

South Korea have qualification in sight

South Korea’s tournament has unfolded very differently. Their comeback victory over the Czech Republic demonstrated both character and attacking quality, while their narrow defeat to Mexico arguably deserved more reward.

Hong Myung-Bo’s men controlled long periods of that contest and created enough opportunities to take something from it. Instead, a costly error and Mexico’s efficiency in front of goal left them empty-handed.

The defeat was frustrating rather than damaging. South Korea still control their own destiny and know that victory in Guadalupe would secure a place in the last 32.

The Taegeuk Warriors also possess the kind of attacking talent capable of deciding tight matches. Son Heung-min remains the headline name, while Lee Kang-in continues to be one of Asia’s most creative players. When South Korea move the ball quickly through midfield, they can unsettle almost any defence in the tournament.

Their supporters may remain unconvinced by Hong’s tactical approach, but the squad itself contains enough quality to compensate for any shortcomings on the touchline.

Team news

South Africa have been dealt a significant blow by the suspension of Mokoena, whose equaliser against the Czech Republic kept their campaign alive. His absence removes both leadership and composure from the centre of midfield.

Sphephelo Sithole is available again following suspension and is expected to come back into the side, while Jayden Adams could make way after being withdrawn at half-time in the previous match.

For South Korea, there are no major fresh concerns. Son and Lee were both substituted before the hour mark against Mexico and should return refreshed. Paik Seung-ho is expected to continue in midfield, while Hong is unlikely to make sweeping changes to a side that largely impressed despite defeat.

Verdict

South Africa deserve credit for remaining in contention heading into the final group match, but their performances have not suggested they are ready to take the next step. South Korea were unfortunate to lose against Mexico and have generally looked the more complete side throughout the tournament.

Bafana Bafana will battle hard, but the technical quality and attacking threat available to the Taegeuk Warriors should prove decisive.

Tip: South Korea to win.