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South Korea has made it to the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup in Qatar for the third time in history and for the first time in 12 years, after a dramatic 2-1 victory over already-qualified Portugal. The Asian country previously played in the knockouts in 2002 and 2010.
Wild finish
Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan gave a sensational injury-time victory, sending the Taegeuk Warriors into the last 16 at Education City Stadium.
“The moment the ball went in, I was happy, tired, proud and grateful. All sorts of feelings combined. I saw other players coming onto the pitch as well as fans screaming in celebration. It really touched me and gave me so much energy. I am so proud to be Korean,” he said.
“I missed the first two matches due to an injury and it was heartbreaking to see other players running although some guys were not in the best condition either. So I wanted to be in the game and help them even if that meant more pain from my injury. I’m very happy. I knew I would be on the pitch in the second half. I wanted to make a difference for the team. I’m very happy with the result. I’m so excited that I scored a meaningful World Cup goal.”
The South Korea national football team’s captain Son Heung-min, who wore a mask after recent surgery for a fracture around his left eye at the start of November, collapsed to the floor and lay on his back on the turf, with tears in his eyes, at the final whistle.
South Korea also needed Uruguay to beat Ghana in the other Group H match. Players and supporters huddled in a centre circle as they watched the final moments of the game on mobile phones.
Uruguay’s win sent South Korea into the knockout round in a tiebreaker.
Face off
South Korea now likely to face Brazil on Monday.
