Wary Bayern Munich Star Kim Min-jae Full Of Praise For Bafana Bafana

Bayern Munich star Kim Min-jae has praised South Africa's attacking threat ahead of Thursday's decisive Group A clash, while highlighting what South Korea must do to secure qualification for the Round of 32.

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The two nations will go head-to-head in a winner-takes-most encounter, with Mexico already having secured qualification on six points.

That leaves South Korea, Czechia and Bafana Bafana battling for the remaining qualification spots heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures.

For South Africa, victory would propel Hugo Broos' side to four points and guarantee progression to the knockout stages.

For South Korea, the equation is equally straightforward. A victory would move the Taegeuk Warriors onto six points and secure an automatic place in the Round of 32, while a draw would also be enough to see them progress. South Africa, however, would be eliminated with just two points if the match ends level.

Kim Wary Of South Africa's Pace And Quality

With qualification hanging in the balance, Kim acknowledged the danger posed by Bafana's frontline but backed his side to get the job done if they can replicate their recent performances.

"South African players have good skills, and they are also fast," Kim said at his pre-match press conference, according to The Korea Times.

"We've been focusing on those areas during our preparation. But if we play the way we did in the two earlier matches, I think we should be able to come away with a win."

The 29-year-old is one of the senior figures in the South Korean squad, but when asked about his leadership responsibilities, Kim was quick to deflect the praise and instead emphasised the importance of collective unity.

"My teammates are already full of confidence. I don't know why I am being hailed as a good leader.

"The key is to get on the same page on the pitch, and that's what we've been talking about all along," Kim added.

"My teammates know that my job isn't necessarily to lead but to provide whatever help they need in the background."

With both nations still in control of their destinies, Thursday's encounter promises to be one of the most significant matches of either side's World Cup campaign.

Should Mexico avoid defeat against Czechia, Bafana, if they beat South Korea, would automatically secure second place.

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Even if Czechia were to beat Mexico, four points would almost certainly be enough for South Africa to qualify as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.