Korean Soccer Advances to Round of 16 for First Time in 12 Years... Comes Back to Win 2-1 Against Portugal (Comprehensive)

Successful Advancement to the Round of 16 for the First Time in 12 Years Since the 2010 South Africa World Cup

On the morning of the 3rd (Korean time), the Group H third match between South Korea and Portugal was held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage. South Korean players are celebrating after defeating Portugal 2-1 and advancing to the round of 16.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] South Korea made a historic comeback against the formidable Portugal.

The South Korean national team, led by coach Paulo Bento, secured a 2-1 victory over Portugal in the final Group H match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, at midnight on the 3rd (Korean time).

With 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, South Korea has 4 points and is likely to advance to the round of 16. Uruguay is currently leading Ghana 2-0.

In the early stages of the match, South Korea conceded the opening goal just 5 minutes into the first half, losing control to Portugal. Horta struck with a right-footed shot to shake South Korea’s net.

South Korea quickly responded with an equalizer. In the 27th minute of the first half, Kim Younggwon scored with a left-footed shot against Portugal’s goal. Lee Kangin’s cross deflected off Cristiano Ronaldo’s back, and Kim Younggwon skillfully volleyed the ball into the net.

The second half continued with a tense atmosphere. Coach Bento made a strategic move. In the 20th minute of the second half, Hwang Heechan, who had been focusing on recovery from a hamstring injury, was substituted in for Lee Jaesung. Ronaldo was substituted out at the same time and watched the game from the bench.

South Korea simultaneously brought on Hwang Uijo and Son Junho. Injured Kim Younggwon and starting player Lee Kangin were taken off. Portugal made substitutions by bringing in Bernardo Silva and William Carvalho.

Just before the end of the match, Hwang Heechan scored a dramatic winning goal. Son Heungmin broke through Portugal’s defense and launched a counterattack. Receiving a through pass, Hwang Heechan shot the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs, shaking Portugal’s net.

Before joining the national team, Hwang Heechan had missed the matches against Uruguay and Ghana due to a hamstring injury, but he wiped away his absence cleanly by scoring the winning goal against Portugal.

After the victory, South Korea awaited the result of the Uruguay vs. Ghana match. Although Uruguay defeated Ghana 2-0, South Korea secured second place in Group H due to goal difference. This marked South Korea’s first advancement to the round of 16 in a World Cup away tournament in 12 years.