Five pivotal battles that could determine Bafana Bafana's World Cup fate against South Korea

KHULISO Mudau and Ime Okon leading Bafana Bafana during training ahead of the FIFA World Cup match.

When Bafana Bafana step onto the pitch this Thursday for their do-or-die World Cup Group One finale against South Korea, survival will depend on winning the micro-battles.

Hugo Broos’ men know that anything less than three points will send them packing.

But standing in their way is a technically superb, battle-hardened South Korean side boasting elite European pedigree. If South Africa are to achieve the impossible and book a ticket to the Round of 32, they must neutralise the Taegeuk Warriors man-for-man.

Here are five head-to-head matchups that could decide Bafana Bafana’s World Cup destiny.