South Korea through to the Round of 16 in dramatic fashion

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The tears on the face of Son Heung-min told the story.

Four years ago in Russia, after they defeated Germany in their final group stage match in which he scored a late goal to seal the three points, there were also tears. But they were tears of a different kind. On that occasion they were tears of despair after Korea failed to progress from the group stage.

At the Education City Stadium, these were tears of unbridled joy as his South Korea side had pulled off a late and improbable victory against Portugal to seal their place in the Round of 16 for just the second time since they made the semi final in 2002.

His solo effort to set up the returning Hwang Hee-chan, playing his first game at this World Cup, in the 91st minute sealed an historic win for Korea, 20 years after they defeated the same opponent in the same final group stage match en route to an astonishing semi-final appearance.

Unlike the previous two encounters Korea have had at Education City Stadium, it was they who were on the back foot throughout the first half, with the Portuguese dictating the flow of the game despite having already qualified for the knockout rounds.

Korea looked nervous, perhaps even a little tired, and that was evidenced within five minutes when Diogo Dalot stormed down the right flank, easily brushing aside a soft challenge from Kim Jin-su before squaring the ball back for Ricardo Horta to finish first time past a helpless Kim Seung-gyu.

Knowing they needed a win, and preferably one by a few goals, it was a nightmare start for the Taegeuk Warriors who were already without coach Paulo Bento after his red card in the previous match against Ghana.

They were also having to make do without defensive mainstay Kim Min-jae who, despite playing in the second match against Ghana, succumbed to the calf injury sustained in the opening 0-0 draw with Uruguay.

His absence in defence was felt, not just for the goal, but throughout various times in the first half as Korea’s defence were put to the test by a Portuguese side still containing Cristiano Ronaldo who was clearly in the mood (when is he not) for goals.

And he did have a hand in one, just not in the way he would’ve hoped. Turning his back on an inswinging corner, the ball struck the back of the former Manchester United superstar, falling perfectly for Kim Young-gwon to pounce and equalise for Korea.

Son Heung-min’s reaction to the goal was telling. While his teammates were off celebrating, the Tottenham star was vociferously berating his teammates, yelling at them to quit their celebrations and get ready for the re-start. He knew one goal was not enough and, at that point, there was nothing to celebrate.

It was a moment that said plenty about the drive and motivation within the masked winger, playing his third game in eight days while undoubtedly hampered by the fractured eye socket he sustained just weeks before the World Cup.

A mouth-watering clash against Brazil in the Round of 16 now awaits, and while it will undoubtedly be tough against the tournament favourites, they have made it known to everyone they can never be counted out.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Korea too Son-centric: No moment better captured Korea’s desire to give Son Heung-min his World Cup moment than that around the hour mark when, having just been introduced, Hwang Hee-chan created space on the edge of the area, enough to get a shot away, but instead opted to play the ball to Son in an arguably worse position. The temptation is understandable, but it’s also predictable and the opposition know it.

Defensive width a problem: While they grew into the game, both Korean full backs again struggled defensively, with Kim Jin-su again brushed aside easily for the second goal. Ongoing concerns in this area will only be exploited further as the tournament goes on.

WHAT THEY SAID

Sergio Costa – South Korea assistant coach

“We’re very happy, we deserved it for everything we did in the three games.

“The result with Ghana was tremendously unfair, with Uruguay we competed in the best way and against a great team like Portugal, full of individual talent, organised and competent, we managed to fulfil our game plan and achieve what was an internal objective of ours.

“We dedicate this victory to all the South Korean people who support us a lot. We’ll celebrate a little, rest and tonight we’ll see our likely opponent. Then, like all games, we’ll prepare it in the same way.

“Knowing strengths, weaknesses, adjusting to our characteristics and preparing the game plan.”

Hwang Hee-chan – South Korean winger

“Before the match, Son told me I was going to create something today.

“He said ‘we trust you’. When I went on as a substitute, a lot of my team-mates also said they trusted me.

“When Son got the ball, I was convinced he would pass to me and it was an excellent pass – it made my job easy.

“It was difficult waiting for the other result, but we proved we can make it to the knockout phase and we kept that trust.

“This is something we wanted and we expected. I want to share these great feelings with the Korean people back home.”

WHAT COMES NEXT

Korea now only have two full days to prepare for the challenge of Brazil at Stadium 974 on Monday evening. While Hwang Hee-chan returned for this game, doubt remains over Kim Min-jae after he failed to feature against Portugal.

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