Nigeria, June 25 -- South Africa head coach Hugo Broos launched a passionate defence of his team after Bafana Bafana secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, insisting their achievement had silenced the critics who doubted them throughout the tournament.

A second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko earned South Africa a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey on Wednesday, sealing second place in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico and guaranteeing Bafana Bafana a place in the Round of 32.

The result marks a landmark moment for South African football. Despite this being their fourth World Cup appearance, Bafana Bafana had never progressed beyond the group stage. Their previous participation ...