South Korea stunned already-qualified Portugal 2-1 to advance in the knockout phase of the 2022 World Cup, with talisman Son Heung-min setting up a winning goal for substitute Hwang Hee-chan in the dying moments of the final group stage match. The Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward helped his national team finish second as Uruguay fell short in goal difference. Get a live football match score here!
“I’ve been waiting for this moment a long time and I believed we could get it done,” said Son, who broke into tears after the announcement of their progression. I have not been doing a good job as their captain, but my teammates have covered my back. I am so thankful for them and so proud of them. hey never gave up and made sacrifices for the team.” More soccer zone updates and predictions here!
The South Koreans were without their head coach Paulo Bento, who was sent off following the final whistle of the Koreans’ 3-2 defeat to Ghana, heading to this match. Portugal showed dominance early in the game, with Ricardo Horta marking his World Cup debut with a goal in the 5th minute. They almost made an early equalizer through Cho Gue-sung’s header only for it to be overturned as offside.
The Portuguese side, who already advanced in the next round as group winners, held the lead for less than 30 minutes only as Kim Young-gwon netted the equalizer in the 27th minute, with Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo playing a role in the South Korean goal. The game leveled in points in the regular time. South Korea showed desperation at the start of the stoppage time.
In the last few minutes of the stoppage time, Tottenham playmaker Son made a crucial pass to Wolves forward Hwang, who delivered a superb finish in the 91st minute to break the tie. South Korea won the match but waited for another 10 minutes to confirm their place. As the final scores were tallied, the South Korean team along with the fans were seen emotional as they advanced in the next round.
Meanwhile, Uruguay, needing one more goal to progress, were left in agony as they finished third in Group H on goal difference despite winning against Ghana 2-0. Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored both of Uruguay’s goals in the match, with Luis Suarez setting up both of his goals. “We had several chances to score the third goal (which would have put Uruguay through),” said Uruguay coach Diego Alonso.
With the win, South Korea became the second Asian team to make it to this year’s World Cup knockouts, alongside Japan. They also joined Australia and Japan in the next round, the most number of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) representatives who made it to the knockouts in the history of the FIFA World Cup. South Korea take on another challenge as they face Brazil in the last-16.
Elsewhere, Cameroon made history as they handed Brazil’s first group-stage loss in 24 years and became the first African side to win against the Seleçao at the tournament. Vincent Aboubakar scored the only goal of the match, ending Cameroon’s 20-year wait for a victory at the World Cup finals. Despite the win, Cameroon did not advance in the next round as they finished third in Group G.
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