Korea Republic will play in the round of 16 at Qatar 2022 after a Hwang Heechan’s stoppage-time strike earned a 2-1 win over Portugal.
-
Late, late show takes Korea Republic through to the last 16
-
The Taegeuk Warriors had been bottom of the section until Hwang Heechan struck
-
Despite losing, Portugal advance as section winners
Korea Republic 2-1 Portugal | Group H
Goals| Kim Younggwon (27′), Hwang Heechan (90+1); Ricardo Horta (5′)A stoppage-time Hwang Heechan strike has taken Korea Republic from the bottom of Group H into second place and on to the round of 16.
The dramatic late goal, in a FIFA World Cup™ full of them, eliminated Uruguay, who had been poised to join already-qualified Portugal in the knockout stage.
Korean fans could barely have imagined that outcome when Portugal took a fifth-minute lead in this match, with Ricardo Horta crashing home a superb first-time finish.
They struck back in comical fashion midway through the half, however, when Cristiano Ronaldo misjudged a cross and allowed the ball to bounce off his back. In doing so, he became an unwilling assist-provider, teeing up Kim Younggwon for a close-range effort that the defender smashed home with venom.
Both sides had their chances in an end-to-end second half but it was the Taegeuk Warriors who showed most attacking intent, the reward for which came in the first minute of time added on.
Key moment
How could it be anything else? Son Heungmin had been full of energy throughout the second half but his attempts to break through the Portugal defence had become increasingly frantic.Somehow, though, as the clock ticked past the 90-minute mark, the Korea Republic talisman found the composure to stop – surrounded by Portuguese defenders – and slip a delicate, inch-perfect pass through for Hwang. The timing of the scorer’s run was equally flawless, while his first-time right-foot shot left Diogo Costa without a hope.
State of the Match
Korea Republic have cemented their reputation as late-goal specialists.Player of the Match
Hwang Heechan (KOR)