South Korea 2-1 Portugal
South Korea are through the World Cup Round of 16 after an incredible 96 minutes ended with a late, late goal to take the Tigers of Asia into the knockouts.
Portugal were already through and when Ricardo Horta scored, with just five minutes on the clock, it looked grim for Korea. And even though they fought back to level through Young-Kwon Kim, it looked like they were on their way home; but in injury time drama Hee-Chan Hwang scored a priceless winner as man-of-the-match Heung-Min Son slipped him through on goal.
World Cup 2022: South Korea vs Portugal was one of those high-stakes clashes we love, even though Senegal had already qualified. There was a three-way shootout between South Korea and Uruguay and Ghana who were facing off in the other Group H clash and when Uruguay could only win 2-0, the Koreans went through on goals scored.
Highlights of the game
The pre-match South Korea vs Portugal betting odds had the Senegal at 1.68 to win the game and the first real action saw that figure drop like a stone as Horta blasted the Europeans into the lead. Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot made a great run to collect a ball over the top and he played in Horta who swept his shot high into the net, giving Seung-Gyu Kim no chance and Korea a mountain to climb.
With South Korea facing an early exit this was Heung-Min Son’s time to shine and he got in the action in 16 minutes, getting in behind the Portugal defence and winning a corner. From the resulting dead ball kick, Son swung in a cross and the ball was bundled in at the back post by Jin-Su Kim, but the Korean celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.
The Portugal defence had their warning but they didn’t heed it and the Tigers of Asia were level on 27 minutes. Again it was poor defending from a set piece as Son sent in an out-swinging corner which took a glance before bouncing off Cristiano Ronaldo’s back, and the ball broke to Young-Kwon Kim who fired low past Diogo Costa to make it 1-1.
Portugal finished the half strongly though and came close to restoring their lead as Vitinha stretched Seung-Gyu Kim with a fierce drive and Ronaldo couldn’t quite nod in the rebound.
With Uruguay winning their tie against Ghana, South Korea had 45 minutes to save their competition and it was Son again who tried to prize open the Portugal’s defence, but his shot from the edge of the penalty area was charged down. The Tottenham Hotspur man began to cut a frustrated figure as he ran down a blind alley and, as time ticked by things began to get desperate. Son again tested Costa but a deflection made his shot an easy collect for the Portugal stopper.
A desperate appeal for a penalty was turned down and then, with just minutes remaining, Portugal began to take control again, twice coming close to extending their lead. But the World Cup which just keeps on giving delivered again in yet another dramatic moment. It was Son again the man who, with boundless energy, burst away on the break, held off a challenge of five Portugal defenders and then slipped the ball through to Hwang, who had timed his run perfectly and slid his shot past Costa to send the Korea fans into dreamland.
Key statistics
In an entertaining first half the South Korea vs Portugal highlights saw plenty of goalmouth action as Senegal dominated possession and were winning the shot count by ten to five and six to three on target.
By the end of the game, the shot counts stood at 13 each and six on target each as Korea fought back to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.
What’s next?
The Round of 16 starts on Saturday when we see Argentina face Australia, and the latest SBOTOP football odds of 1.20 suggest that Lionel Messi and Co will see off the Socceroos within 90 minutes. Argentina lost their opener to Saudi Arabia but won their two other games in impressive style and are one of the three favorites, alongside Brazil and France, to go all the way. The Netherlands are in action too, odds on to overcome the USA and make it to the quarter-finals.
For Portugal and South Korea, it’s time to rest, recuperate and go again when they move into their Round of 16 matches. South Korea will face the winners of Group G, most likely Brazil, while Portugal will wait to see who comes second from that group; Switzerland, Serbia or maybe even Cameroon.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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