South Korea beat a much-changed Portugal side 2-1 in dramatic fashion to reach the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
Fernando Santos made six changes to his side from the 2-0 win against Uruguay on Monday, but still managed to take an early lead through Ricardo Horta.
It appeared the rest of the half would be a comfortable canter for Portugal, as they would enter the last 16 as winners of Group H.
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However, against the run of play, South Korea pulled one back later in the first half when Cristiano Ronaldo’s back teed up Kim Young-gwon from a corner.
It was a scrappy effort, as Portugal failed to clear a South Korea corner at the near post. The ball then hit Ronaldo’s back and broke kindly for Kim, who poked it home.
South Korea desperately needed a goal to stay alive in the tournament in the second half but were unable to find a much-needed breakthrough as Portugal controlled the tempo of the game for the majority of the affair.
It looked like South Korea’s hero, Son Heung-min, was also going to have an off day. Yet, in dramatic fashion, they stole the game and put themselves on the verge of qualifying for the last 16 after a late finish from Hwang Hee-chan.
A South Korean counter-attack saw Son gallop from box to box with the ball at his feet. He slipped a perfectly weighted and timed through ball in behind to Hwang, who managed to stay onside and made no mistake in slotted the ball into the corner.
Thus, despite offering anything to trouble Diogo Costa all game, Paulo Bento’s side had somehow put themselves in the last 16 after a late moment of magic (and some help from Ghana holding off Uruguay from scoring a third goal).
South Korea vs Portugal key moment – Hwang’s winner
An incredible end to the game.
Just when South Korea looked out on their feet, when the energy levels had dropped, one counter attack changed their fate.
Son picked the pass, but sloppy defending from Portugal allowed Bento’s side to turn the tide and put one foot in the last 16.
South Korea vs Portugal player of the match – Diogo Dalot
Portugal have pushed their full-backs forward to good effect throughout this tournament. While Joao Cancelo has arguably been the most creative full-back in the tournament, Diogo Dalot was good value for money against South Korea.
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The Manchester United right-back found the assist for Portugal’s opener and was a solid presence on the right flank throughout the game.
Key statistic
South Korea have a 100 per cent win record against Portugal in the World Cup. Two out of two.
What does this mean?
Well, Portugal maintain their place at the summit of Group H and South Korea also live to fight another day.
Despite Uruguay’s 2-0 win against Ghana, South Korea go through to the knockout phases on goals scored.
Uruguay needed a third goal to qualify but had to settle for a 2-0 win against Ghana.
(Photo: Getty Images)