South Korea qualifies for knockout round in frantic finish

Group H of the 2022 World Cup finished in a frenetic way, as South Korea advanced to the knockout round. Entering matchday three, Portugal was the only team in the group guaranteed qualification to the knockout round.

South Korea, despite entering the game against the Portuguese with just one point, ultimately grabbed the second spot in the group.

Prior to Friday, Ghana held on to the second qualifying place in Group H with three points. South Korea and Uruguay were both level at the bottom with just the one point. However, it looked as if it would be Uruguay’s night early on in the games.

South Korea looked out of knockout round

Giorgian de Arrascaeta scored twice inside the first 32 minutes of Uruguay’s game with Ghana. Meanwhile, Portugal and South Korea were tied at 1-1 in the other matchup. If the two games remained the same, Uruguay would be advancing to the next phase of the tournament.

Despite the scenario seemingly set, South Korea had other plans. Hwang Hee-Chan gave South Korea the lead in the 91st minute of the game.

The late goal flipped the places of the Asian team and Uruguay. As the South Korea match was about seven minutes ahead of the Uruguay game, news quickly spread to the South American team’s bench.

Luis Suarez, who was substituted late in the Uruguay game, saw the Korean score and screamed at his team to go for another goal. Both South Korea and Uruguay were level on points and goal differential. However, the Asian team scored more goals than Uruguay in the group stage.

Uruguay players furious with official after match

The late goal never came from Uruguay. Consequently, South Korea advanced in the tournament. Following the games, Suarez had to be consoled on the Uruguayan bench as he sobbed in agony. Striker Edinson Cavani was given a yellow card for his postgame antics towards the referee. Multiple Uruguay players surrounded the ref as he made his way down the tunnel. The players were upset over a penalty claim late in the match.

South Korea will now play the winner of Group G on Monday. This group is currently headed by tournament favorites Brazil. Portugal are set to play their next match against the Group G runner-up on Tuesday.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Nordphoto