
The Koreans snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Spain in their final Group E game in Ottawa on Wednesday, to make it through to the knockout round for the first time, where they play third-ranked France in Montreal next Sunday.
Three of Asia's four teams -- Japan, China and South Korea -- are now through to the last 16 of the tournament for the first time.
Fourth-ranked Japan topped Group C with maximum nine points and play the Netherlands in Vancouver on Tuesday as 1999-runners-up China, second in Group A, take on Cameroon in Edmonton on Saturday.
But Thailand, ranked 29th, failed to advance as one of the four best third-placed finishers despite three points for beating the Ivory Coast 3-2 in Group B.
The Koreans had started the final day bottom of the table with one point and needed a win after a 2-0 loss to Brazil was followed by a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica.
Substitute Kim Soo-Yun sealed South Korea's victory after 78 minutes in a drama-filled match against Spain in which skipper Cho So-Hyun equalised on 53 minutes following Veronica Boquete's first half goal.
"It's an unforgettable day for me and my players who never gave up," said coach Yoon Deok-yeo. AFP