{
    "title": "Belgian coach Broos leads South Africa into World Cup knockout stage",
    "modified_at": "2026-06-25 07:10:14",
    "published_at": "2026-06-25 07:10:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/belgian-coach-broos-leads-south-africa-into-world-cup-knockout-stage",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/7CJd",
    "culture": "en_BE",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "belgian-coach-broos-leads-south-africa-into-world-cup-knockout-stage",
    "body": "<p><strong>Belgian coach Hugo Broos guided South Africa into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time on Wednesday after a 1-0 win over South Korea in Monterrey, Mexico.</strong></p><p>South Africa finished second in Group A with four points, behind hosts Mexico, and advanced to the last 16 in their fourth World Cup appearance.</p><p>&ldquo;I know how it feels but it is difficult to explain&rdquo;, Broos told television reporters after the match. &ldquo;It is a fantastic experience. It was so tough today but we played a very good game and had chances and were tactically very good. It was very difficult for South Korea to find space. We defended well and were dangerous.&rdquo; </p><p>The winning goal was scored by Thapelo Maseko in the second half. South Africa had been written off after a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening game but recovered with a draw against the Czech Republic and victory over South Korea.</p><p>&ldquo;I am very proud of my team,&rdquo; Broos said. &ldquo;I think we gave an answer to all those big mouths who thought we had to change something.&rdquo;</p><p>The 74-year-old Belgian, in charge since 2021, also praised the close bond within the squad. </p><p>South Africa will face Canada in the last 16 on Sunday in Los Angeles.</p><p>South Korea, who finished on three points, must wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Coach Hong Myung-bo said he was disappointed with the result and accepted responsibility for the defeat.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><sup>South Africa&#039;s head coach Hugo Broos talks to his players during a hydration break of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between South Africa and South Korea &copy; Julio Cesar AGUILAR / AFP</sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Flanders",
        "last_name": "News Service"
    },
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