South Africa finally made it – they have qualified for the Round of 32 for the first time in their World Cup participations. Whoever watched the first two games had a clear idea that Bafana Bafana are on their way out of the tournament as they looked terrible. The first game against Mexico was bad and the second one against Czech Republic was not better either, but the Czechs gave them a point after missing many chances and conceding a late penalty. South Korea was the favorite and they were better during the game, but it wasn’t good enough for the win. Maseko snatched an unexpected winner for South Africa, taking a touch to bring the ball to his left foot inside the box before stroking an effort through the legs of Jens Castrop and inside the near post. And now, after making it through, the Bafana Bafana players are in for a financial reward, apart from being written into the history books of South African football.Bafana Bafana make history by storming into World Cup knockouts as Mexico extend perfect runBefore the tournament, FIFA confirmed that all participating countries will receive preparation grant of 2.5 million dollars, while teams which get into the elimination round would get additional 11 million. Along with other money given by FIFA, Bafana Bafana will receive around 23.5 million dollars even if they get beat by their next rival, co-host of the tournament, Canada. A victory over he hosts however, would send Bafana into the last 16 and along with another round of prize-money – a 15 million dollars payout. That is also one of the reasons coach Hugo Broos was so happy after the win. Not only he made a historical success with Bafana Bafana, and will get more money of it, but also because he announced this will be his last World Cup and he just extended his last days for another game.WORLD CUP – GROUP STAGE (ROUND 3)Group EThursday23.00: (16.0) Curacao (7.50) Ivory Coast (1.18) 23.00: (4.20) Ecuador (3.60) Germany (1.95)***odds are subject to change***Group AThursdaySouth Africa – South Korea 1-0 (0-0)/Maseko 63/Czech Republic – Mexico 0-3 (0-0)/Chavez 55, Quinones 61, Fidalgo 90+4/
92