South Korea benefited from some wasteful Nigeria finishing in a 2-2 draw that allowed the Asian side to reach the last 16 as runners-up in Group B.
The South Koreans fell behind to Kalu Uche’s 12th minute opener in Durban, but recovered strongly courtesy of Lee-Jung Soo’s 38th minute effort and a Park Chu-Young free-kick on 49 minutes.
Nigeria equalised when Yakubu rolled in a penalty on 69 minutes after substitute Kim Nam-Il’s crude foul on Chinedu Obasi, but the match will be remembered for two glaring Nigerian misses.
Yakubu should have equalised on 65 minutes when he missed an open goal from two yards out, while substitute Obafemi Martins chipped wide with the goal at his mercy 10 minutes from time.
Group winners Argentina face Mexico on Sunday. South Korea take on Group A winners Uruguay on Saturday.