Soccer World Cup
South Korea dupes Ronaldo and follows Portugal to World Cup Round of 16
Match winner Hwang Heechan paved the way for South Korea’s round of 16 entry. photo
© Hassan Ammar/AP/dpa
Cristiano Ronaldo is one goal away from legend Eusébio’s record. He doesn’t want to do much against South Korea, in the end there is a defeat for Portugal.
Heung-Min Son and Co. gathered in the center circle and stared at the supervisors’ cell phones for what seemed like endless minutes, then jumped around wildly with joy.
Just one day after the Japanese coup in the heart-stopping final with Germany, South Korea created another Asian sensation in a similarly dramatic scenario and reached the World Cup round of 16 in Qatar. The two-time Asian champions defeated the favorites Portugal, who had already qualified for the knockout stages, 2-1 (1-1) in the last minute and at the same time thwarted superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of the legend Eusébio’s goal record.
Ronaldo, who stumped off the pitch when he was substituted, failed to score again and is one goal behind his legendary compatriot in the World Cup record. However, winning the group was not in danger for Ronaldo and company, which means that the Portuguese will take the supposedly easier route in the knockout stages of the finals. For South Korea around the former Bundesliga professional Son, it is only the third round of 16 entry in the eleventh World Cup participation.
Young-Gwon Kim (27′) equalized the early Portuguese opening goal by Ricardo Horta (5th minute), before Hee-Chan Hwang (90’+2′) sent the Asians into a frenzy late on in front of 44,097 spectators at Education City Stadium. “It’s a disappointment. We’ve shown good things, but also not so good things. It could be a wake-up call for us,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.
Portugal personnel in gentle gear
Santos had changed his team in six positions, but Ronaldo remained in the starting XI. Naturally. After all, CR7 still had records in mind. The first player to score at five World Cups, his goal in the opener against Ghana already making him a claim, but Ronaldo wanted more.
The striker engaged himself in the offensive game, but didn’t want to succeed much. In the 42nd minute, he dived freely in front of the South Korean goal for a header, but missed the target by a few meters. Previously, the 37-year-old had lost his goalscoring qualities when he had a big chance but was offside (30′). And in the second half he didn’t hit the ball properly in a promising position (52′).
To make matters worse, Ronaldo, who was currently without a club, was also involved in the goal. From a corner, the superstar looked unfortunate as the ball bounced off his back for Kim, who eventually just had to shoot in. Ronaldo also had to listen to “Messi” shouts from the South Korean fans. After 65 minutes, Santos took his hapless offensive player off the field.
Son assisting – Hee-Chan Hwang makes it clear
“Our wish and that of Brazil is that we meet later,” said Portugal coach Santos. Accordingly, the Portuguese pushed the pace, but also revealed gaps on the defensive. However, the South Koreans, who started with Jae-Sung Lee from Mainz, lacked penetrating power as is so often the case – until Hee-Chan Hwang struck in added time. The former Hamburger and Leipziger scored a counterattack after submission by Son to the celebrated victory.
South Korea’s coach Paulo Bento had to watch all of this from the stands. Ironically, he was suspended against his home country after the red card because of his violent protest after the game against Ghana. Bento had also coached Portugal and Ronaldo between 2010 and 2014 – albeit with moderate success.