AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 2 (Reuters) – South Korea scored a last-gasp goal to beat already-qualified Portugal 2-1 at the World Cup in a comeback win that sent the Asian side into the last 16 ahead of Uruguay on goals scored.
With the clock ticking down on South Korea’s time in the tournament, striker Son Heung-min ran free after a Portugal corner in added time and slipped a pass to Hwang Hee-chan who fired past Diogo Costa to spark wild celebrations.
After the whistle blew, the anxious Korean players gathered in a circle awaiting the end of the Uruguay-Ghana game and exploded with joy when the news arrived that the South Americans had only won 2-0 in their Group H clash. South Korea needed to beat Portugal at the Education City Stadium for a chance to advance to the Round of 16. The win saw him score four goals in the tournament and jump from fourth to his second as Uruguay scored his two goals.
Winger Ricardo Horta put Portugal ahead with his first shot on goal when he found himself in the box in the fifth minute and converted a clean backpass from defender Diogo Dalot.
Ronaldo was looking to break Portugal’s ninth World Cup goal scored by the great Eusebio, but Kim got his first chance half an hour later with a solo shot by Seung-kyu, but in any event. I was called offside.
The Portuguese captain was sent off in the 65th minute after Kim and he played one-on-one again but lacked the strength to worry the keeper.
