Jo Gyu-seong's Multi-Goal New Record
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On the afternoon of the 28th (local time), the Group H second match between South Korea and Ghana was held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage. Cho Gyu-seong, who scored the equalizing goal, is celebrating. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Despite making history by scoring multiple goals in a single World Cup match, the South Korean national football team faced a disappointing defeat, casting a red light on their chances of advancing to the round of 16.
On the 28th (Korean time) at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the second match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage against Ghana, the South Korean team conceded two goals in the first half. Although they fought back with two goals in the second half, they ultimately lost 2-3 after conceding an additional goal.
The early flow of the game was dominated by South Korea. Possession hovered around 60%, and the ball remained mostly in Ghana’s half. Of the 5-2 shots in the first half, four came early on. However, as the first half progressed, the defense collapsed after allowing a series of surprise attacks from Ghana.
Ghana’s first goal came in the 24th minute of the first half when Mohamed Salisu (Southampton) pushed a cross from near the left touchline directly into the net. Then, in the 34th minute, Mohammed Kudus (Ajax) redirected a cross from Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace) on the left flank with a header, shaking the South Korean goal again. After that, the momentum shifted to the Ghanaian team.
However, in the second half, South Korea regained control of the game. Substitutions proved effective. Immediately after the second half began, Na Sangho was brought on, followed by Lee Kangin replacing Kwon Changhoon in the 12th minute, creating scoring opportunities. In the 13th minute, Lee Kangin stole the ball from the opponent’s left side and passed it to Cho Gue-sung inside the penalty box, who headed in a goal to narrow the gap. Three minutes later, Cho Gue-sung broke through the left side of the defense and headed in a cross from Kim Jin-su to equalize. This was the first time a South Korean player scored two goals in a single World Cup match.
But Ghana’s counterattack was fierce. Kudus scored with his left foot in the 23rd minute of the second half, putting Ghana ahead 3-2 again. The South Korean team relentlessly pressed Ghana’s goal to equalize but ultimately failed. Lee Kangin’s direct left-footed free kick in the 30th minute was saved by the Ghanaian goalkeeper. Kim Jin-su’s shot in the 39th minute went over the crossbar.
Even with an additional 10 minutes added, Lee Kangin and Son Heung-min continued to deliver crosses into the box, but unfortunately, none resulted in a goal. Near the end of the match, Kwon Kyung-won’s shot deflected off an opponent, but the referee did not allow a corner kick and blew the final whistle, leaving a sense of regret. Coach Bento was shown a red card after strongly protesting and will be unable to sit on the bench for the next match against Portugal.
After drawing 0-0 with Uruguay in the first match on the 24th, South Korea now has 1 draw and 1 loss (1 point). They must win the final group stage match against Portugal at the same venue on December 3 at midnight to have a chance to advance to the round of 16.
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