In a dramatic conclusion to Group H, Hwang Hee-chan scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time to help South Korea defeat Portugal 2-1 and advance to the World Cup’s round of 16 at the expense of Uruguay.
The Taeguk Warriors appeared to be on their way out as they looked to draw while Ghana was being led by Uruguay, but Hwang’s goal at the very end completed an incredible comeback.
Although Kim Jin-goal su’s was disallowed shortly after Ricardo Horta gave Portugal the lead, they failed to heed the warning, and Kim Young-gwon rightfully brought South Korea back into the game.
Portugal, who had already won the group, coasted through the second half, and South Korea took full advantage. Hwang delivered the game-changing blow that sparked chaos and eliminated Uruguay.
In spite of South Korea’s shaky start, Horta applied a simple finish to take the lead in the fifth minute after Diogo Dalot breezed past Kim Jin-su and cut the ball back.
After Diogo Costa had saved Cho Gue-header, sung’s Kim Jin-su appeared to have equalised 12 minutes later, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
However, the lead Portugal had before the half-hour mark was lost.
Ronaldo dodged a corner delivery that struck him, and Kim Young-gwon was there to guide the ball in.
Early in the second half, Portugal’s captain then completely missed his close-range kick, and the ensuing offside flag did little to save his face.
A generally poor second half seemed to be winding down.
However, when support arrived, captain Son Heung-min calmly fed Hwang through the legs of a defender, who then slammed past Costa to miraculously secure the advance.