South Africa have accomplished what few believed possible this summer, as Hugo Broos’ side stunned Son Heung-Min’s Korea Republic with a 1-0 victory, ensuring their first-ever guaranteed progression to the knockout phase.

For a nation best remembered on the global stage as the 2010 World Cup hosts, famous for the sound of the Vuvuzela and Siphiwe Tshabalala’s unforgettable opening goal against Mexico, few had expected them to make it out of Group A this time around.

After opening their campaign with a loss to El Tri, a determined 1-1 draw against Czechia set up a decisive final group encounter against the Taegeuk Warriors. A solitary goal in the 63rd minute from 22-year-old Thapelo Maseko secured all three points and booked South Africa’s place in the Round of 32.

Looking ahead to a Sunday clash with Canada, Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams spoke candidly about the criticism that motivated him and his teammates to achieve this historic result.

“I’m lost for words. Proud is an understatement,” said the 34-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper during his post-match interview with FOX Soccer.

“The pressure this team faces is immense, both on and off the pitch. For the players to rise up today, with our backs against the wall—when I saw the media predicting which teams would advance and we weren’t even given a percentage chance—that ignited something in us. It felt like the whole world was against us.”

He added, “We’ll use that as motivation, as energy to keep fighting. And the fight the boys showed tonight? Absolutely incredible.”

Williams and his teammates now turn their attention to a Canadian side that topped Group B ahead of Bosnia & Herzegovina and pushed Switzerland hard in their final match, all while missing their star player Alphonso Davies.

Can South Africa continue their remarkable story this summer? All eyes will be on them again on Sunday.