FIFAWC 2022: South Korea edge Portugal to book last 16 spot
South Korea picked up the second Round of 16 ticket in Group H after their comeback win over group winners Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Asian giants picked up a 2-1 win over their European counterparts to claim second spot in the group after a thrilling finale.
Portugal had sealed qualification from the group phase after their 2-0 win over Uruguay, while South Korea needed a win to qualify following their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Ghana.
A much-changed Portugal side quickly went in front as two players drafted in combined to give them the lead after only five minutes. A long ball from Pepe found the run of Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot, who drove into the box before squaring the ball for Braga forward Ricardo Horta to open the scoring from close range.
South Korea thought they had equalised in the 17th minute after Kim Jin-Su fired home from inside the box, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Ten minutes later, there was no denying the Asians as they found an equaliser.
A corner kick into the box was met by Cristiano Ronaldo, whose clearance fell to Kim Young-Gwon. The defender connected cleanly on the volley to draw his side level in the first half.
The second half went by with pedestrian pace as South Korea took charge of matters. Portugal struggled to create chances despite the array of stars at their disposal. With minutes of the match left, South Korea dramatically stole the win.
Captain Heung-Min Son led a counter-attack from inside his own half, carrying the ball for over 70 yards before slipping a perfectly-timed pass for substitute Hwang Hee-Chan to slide a finish past Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 91st minute.
South Korea held on for a famous win over Portugal and qualified for the Round of 16 ahead of Uruguay, who despite their win over Ghana, finished with fewer goals than the South Koreans.
