
<p>Jurgen Klinsmann is back in professional soccer. The former Germany international has officially been hired as South Korea’s new Head Coach.</p>



<p>Klinsmann has been out of football since 2020. His ill-fated return to domestic coaching ended with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/klinsmann-quits-as-hertha-berlin-coach-after-10-weeks-20200211-CMS-295131.html">dismissal at Hertha Berlin</a>.</p>



<p>However, the former USMNT Head Coach remains incredibly respected within the sport.</p>



<p>His work in America is lauded, despite it not producing the desired end-results. He will now be entrusted with shaping the next generation of South Korean footballers.</p>



<h2>Klinsmann will be in charge through the 2026 World Cup</h2>



<p>South Korean football has been on a steady upward curve ever since the 2002 World Cup. They co-hosted the event and shocked the world by reaching the semi-final.</p>



<p>Players of an incredibly high standard have been produced since then. Heung min-Son is currently the nation’s star performer. However, the team is struggling.</p>



<p>In the 2022 World Cup, they scraped into the knockout stage with four points. They won just one game before being dumped out of the tournament 4-1 by Brazil.</p>



<p>It’s clear the team needs new direction. South Korea hope that Klinsmann can work as diligently behind the scenes as he did in America.&nbsp;</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Jurgen Klinsmann named S. Korea men&apos;s football head coach" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Iqvbimm1JIk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>His contract will run through the <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2026 World Cup</a>. He will be entrusted with taking the South Korean side to that tournament.</p>



<h2>German coach is honored to take on the role</h2>



<p>“I’m very happy and honored to be following in the footsteps of great coaches,” Klinsmann declared.</p>



<p><em>“From Guus Hiddink to former coach Paulo Bento.&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>“I know that the Korean national team has been improving over a long period of time. I will do my best to achieve success in the Asian Cup and 2026 World Cup.”&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>It’s not clear yet who will form Klinsmann’s backroom staff. In previous setups he has brought along a number of young coaches. The highest profile is probably Joachim Low.&nbsp;</p>



<p>His first match in charge of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/south-korea-national-team-tv-schedule/">South Korea</a> will come on March 24. The team are scheduled to play in a friendly against Colombia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite poor results in Qatar, there is a lot of talent at Klinsmann’s immediate disposal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> forward, Woo-yeong Jeong and Min-jae Kim are in fantastic form.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With his part in Napoli’s Scudetto charge being clear for all to see, Kim may even be subject of Premier League interest in the coming months.</p>



<p><em>Photo: IMAGO / Sven Simon</em></p>


Jurgen Klinsmann appointed as South Korea’s Head Coach - World Soccer Talk

Jurgen Klinsmann appointed as South Korea’s Head Coach


<p>In Monday’s pair of round of 16 fixtures, two teams from the 2018 quarterfinals punched a ticket to that round of 2022. However, while Japan pushed Croatia to the brink, Brazil cruised along in what has been a sumptuous World Cup for the five-time champions. </p>



<p>For South Korea and Japan, it is a harsh exit for two of the three Asian teams to reach the knockout stages. Joined by Australia, this is the first time <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/concacaf-was-weakest-confederation-in-world-cup-group-stage-20221203-WST-410931.html">three teams from AFC</a> reached the knockout stage of the same tournament. Japan will regret its inability to convert from the penalty spot. South Korea was simply overmatched by perhaps the most talented team at the World Cup</p>



<h2>Brazil and Croatia punch ticket to World Cup quarterfinals</h2>



<p>Starting with the first game of the day, Japan entered the game imbued with confidence. Wins over <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/germany-world-cup-start-shattered-by-japan-20221123-WST-409612.html">Germany</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/japan-spain-survive-explosive-world-cup-group-germany-out-20221201-WST-410785.html">Spain</a> had Japan as a sneaky contender to pull off a major upset or two. However, it was the usual suspects for Croatia that kept the 2018 runner-up on track in Qatar. </p>



<p>Celtic winger Daizen Maeda opened the scoring just before halftime after a goal-mouth scramble that Maeda tucked away. Then, 10 minutes after the break, Ivan Perišić, who scored in the 2018 Final, leveled the game. At the risk of falling behind, neither team pushed too far forward in the 90. Moreover, these teams took it through 120 minutes without a decider.</p>



<p>Croatian manager Zlatko Dalić pulled off Luka Modrić, Andrej Kramarić, Mateo Kovačić&nbsp;and the aforementioned Perišić in the 120 minutes. Therefore, it put the strain on the lesser-known Croatians to answer the call. It was goalkeeper Dominik Livaković to emerge as the hero.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">The easy choice? 😉<br><br>Man of the Match: Dominik Livaković! 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JPNCRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JPNCRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qatar2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qatar2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Family?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Family</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vatreni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vatreni</a>❤️‍🔥 <a href="https://t.co/v4xgrTRo2d">pic.twitter.com/v4xgrTRo2d</a></p>— HNS (@HNS_CFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/HNS_CFF/status/1599827122901557248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Livaković, who plays for Dinamo Zagreb, stopped three out of four Japanese penalties. On the other side, Shūichi Gonda could only keep out one penalty from Croatia. </p>



<p>With the win, Croatia advanced to the quarterfinals. Remarkably, this is Croatia’s third win on penalties in the last two World Cups. In fact, in 2018, Croatia won on penalties twice, and needed stoppage time in the semifinal against England.</p>



<p>Croatia now faces Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinals.</p>



<h5>Brazil shows nothing but talent in win</h5>



<p>While Croatia and Japan went the distance, Brazil wrapped up South Korea in the opening 45 minutes. Before the two teams played half an hour, the five-time World Champions had a three-goal cushion. Vinícius Jr. opened first-half goal fest with a clinical and calm finish into the far corner.</p>



<p>Then, it was Neymar to score the second. The PSG star missed the previous two games with an ankle injury. Yet, he looked mighty fine against South Korea. He deked South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu from the spot. Richarlison continued his fine form by adding Brazil’s third. Fittingly, it was the player’s third of the tournament. He leads the team. Finally, Lucas Paquetá got in on the action with Brazil’s fourth.</p>



<p>By halftime, the game was just about over. Yet, that did not stop some South Korean celebration in the game. Paik Seung-ho scored the goal of the game from 25 yards out.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A STRIKE 🎯😱<br><br>Paik Seung-ho takes one back for South Korea 🇰🇷 <a href="https://t.co/Ux3ejbvpf2">pic.twitter.com/Ux3ejbvpf2</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1599865875095592961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Granted, the shot took a deflection off the Brazilian defense. But, it gives something South Korea to take home with pride. Brazil was always going to be <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/world-cup/2022/12/03/638b334422601df6108b4577.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a tough match</a> for a South Korean side that squeaked out of the group stage.</p>



<h5>Brazil vs Croatia</h5>



<p>This quarterfinal matchup will be the fifth all-time meeting between Brazil and Croatia, and it is the third at the World Cup. The met in the group stages of the 2006 and 2014 World Cups. Brazil won on both occassions.</p>



<p>The most recent battle between the two was back in 2018, an international friendly just before the World Cup. Brazil won that one, as well.</p>



<p>Yet, despite the dominance over Croatia, Brazil has something of a bug with European opponents. Since defeating Germany in the 2002 World Cup Final, Brazil lost to the first European opponent it faced in the World Cup knockout rounds. From 2018 backwards, those were Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and France. Croatia hopes to make it five-straight losses to European opponents in the knockout stages.</p>



<p>The two battle on Friday, Dec. 9, with coverage on FOX and Telemundo at 10 a.m. ET.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Xinhua</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Croatia and Brazil both picked up wins in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. While Brazil coasted to victory, Japan and Croatia battled.

Croatia needs penalties, Brazil thumps South Korea at World Cup


<p>How could someone not like soccer? Once again, this World Cup has delivered high entertainment. After the scenes yesterday that saw <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/germany-fly-home-early-after-crashing-out-of-world-cup-20221202-WST-410811.html">Germany eliminated</a>, Group H tried to top the drama.</p>



<h5>Group H Drama</h5>



<p>Portugal were assured a place in the Round of 16. At different moments during the simultaneous matches, the remaining qualification spot was occupied by each of the other three teams.</p>



<p>A long ball on the right wing to Diogo Dalot led to a neat finish by Ricardo Horta to give the Portuguese the lead after five minutes. After Horta’s goal, Portugal and Ghana were the teams progressing.</p>



<p>Ghana earned a penalty, but <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1598699338498187264" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andre Ayew failed to put it away</a>. Ayew missed the chance to avenge the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/luis-suarez-refuses-to-apologize-for-infamous-handball-20221201-WST-410706.html">missed penalty against Uruguay</a> in the 2010 World Cup Quarterfinals. After a bright start, the missed penalty summed up Ghana’s game, a missed opportunity to reach the knockout stages.</p>



<p>Giorgio de Arrascaeta netted five minutes later to give Uruguay the lead on 26 minutes. Moments after Uruguay took the lead, Kim Young-Gwon pounced on a mistake by Cristiano Ronaldo to equalize for South Korea. Just past the half-hour mark, de Arrascaeta scored a second with a sumptuous volley. At this point, Portugal and Uruguay were the teams going through.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANOTHER FOR URUGUAY 🇺🇾<br><br>Giorgian de Arrascaeta scores his second goal of the first half 🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/pJQNQSWA4K">pic.twitter.com/pJQNQSWA4K</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1598702058818994178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Group H was finely balanced for the next hour of play. Then, in the first minute of stoppage time Son Heung-Min played an inch-perfect ball through three Portuguese defenders to put Hwang Hee-Chan in on goal. The smart finish <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/13/uruguay-rife-with-talent-pedigree-ahead-of-2022-world-cup/">broke Uruguayan hearts</a> and sent South Korean fans into ecstasy.</p>



<p>Portugal still managed to advance, but did not help Uruguay get out of the World Cup group stage. Instead, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/south-korea-qualifies-for-knockout-round-in-frantic-finish-20221202-WST-410891.html">South Korea punched its ticket</a> to likely battle Brazil.</p>



<h2>Portugal advance, but eyes set on more drama at World Cup</h2>



<p>Portugal used more of the squad against South Korea. The side rested key starting players. For example, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Félix and Rúben Dias all sat. For most of the game the team played well and looked bright. There were some great passages of play.</p>



<p>Fans can remember this game for years primarily for South Korea finding a winner in extra time. However, Portugal showed something they haven’t necessarily had in previous World Cup, strength in depth. People are starting to ask if this might be Portugal’s year.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Portugal&apos;s last 5 goals have been scored by players other than Ronaldo 🇵🇹<br><br>Do they finally have the depth to go all the way? 👀 <a href="https://t.co/tJtMFD2ZCs">pic.twitter.com/tJtMFD2ZCs</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1598715760230207491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>I was excited to see Ricardo Horta have an impact. I said <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cristiano-ronaldo-not-a-guaranteed-starter-at-world-cup-20221104-WST-406570.html">he should start</a> for Portugal before the tournament based on his stats over the past year. Grabbing his goal will give him loads of confidence, despite the loss.</p>



<p>When Horta was joined by Rafael Leão of Milan and André Silva of RB Leipzig, I thought this might be a moment when Portugal were unleashed. Unfortunately, the trio was pretty forgettable. I do think they should be given another chance to lead the attack, but next time with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also on the field to provide service.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Xinhua</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Though Portugal had already qualified to advance in the World Cup. It was at the center of drama again in the World Cup group stage on Friday.

Portugal lose, but advance in more World Cup Group H drama


<p>Group H of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 World Cup</a> finished in a frenetic way, as South Korea advanced to the knockout round. Entering matchday three, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/portugal-national-team-tv-schedule/">Portugal</a> was the only team in the group guaranteed qualification to the knockout round. </p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/south-korea-national-team-tv-schedule/">South Korea</a>, despite entering the game against the Portuguese with just one point, ultimately grabbed the second spot in the group.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<h2>South Korea looked out of knockout round</h2>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The goal that has <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KOR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KOR</a> going through to the knockout round at the moment!<a href="https://t.co/e2tlnppPyV">pic.twitter.com/e2tlnppPyV</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1598722068274626561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>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, <a href="https://t.co/bzJNyLFNuB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">news quickly spread</a> to the South American team’s bench.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<h5>Uruguay players furious with official after match</h5>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Nordphoto</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


South Korea advances to the World Cup knockout round after a thrilling goal against Portugal in added time.

South Korea qualifies for knockout round in frantic finish


<p>Ghana’s 3-2 victory over South Korea gives the Black Stars hope of advancing to the knockout stage at the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 FIFA World Cup</a>.</p>



<h2>Ghana rolled out the changes </h2>



<p>Following Ghana’s 3-2 loss to Portugal, head coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/dodgy-decisions-causes-ghana-loss-to-portugal-20221125-WST-409927.html">Otto Addo</a> made three changes to the starting lineup. The 4-3-3 replaced the 5-3-2 formation. Fullbacks Gideon Mensah and Tariq Lamptey replaced Baba Rahman and Alidu Seidu. Center-back Alexander Djiku made way for Jordan Ayew. </p>



<p>Out of their 26 players, only two have prior experience participating in the biggest tournament in the sport. The two are captain Andre Ayew and his younger brother Jordan, sons of legendary player Abedi Pele. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="South Korea vs. Ghana Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/62-AGlwbRIE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>While Muhammad Kudus is awarded Budweiser Player of the Match following the game, Jordan is arguably the most decisive athlete on the field.</p>



<p>In the opening stages of the match, the Taegeuk Warriors assert their dominance by acquiring six corner kicks in short succession. However, none of the set-pieces create a shot on goal. In the 24th minute, Jordan uses a free kick to delivers a cross into the six-yard box and center-back Mohammed Salisu retains the loose ball give Ghana the lead. Ten minutes later, the Crystal Palace forward delivers another delectable pass into the 18-yard box and Mohammed Kudus’ header provides a commanding 2-0 lead.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">• First Ghanaian to score two goals in one game at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a><br><br>• Second youngest African player to score two goals in a World Cup game<br><br>🇬🇭 Mohammed Kudus, one of his kind 🪄 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qatar2022onMG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qatar2022onMG</a> <a href="https://t.co/aFOnrktcMn">pic.twitter.com/aFOnrktcMn</a></p>— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) <a href="https://twitter.com/_owurakuampofo/status/1597257266432184320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p><strong>South Korea Fights Back</strong></p>



<p>Early in the second half, South Korea replies with two goals in three minutes to tie the match. The first comes in the 58th minute when Lamptey wins a ball but gets dispossessed shortly and a Lee Kang-In cross is headed in by Cho Gue-Sung. The second arrives after a quick progression of passes finishes with an aerial Gue-Sung header. The Education City Stadium erupts. Once again, Ghana finds themselves in an action-packed, high scoring affair. This time around, they’ll prevail.</p>



<p><strong>Kudus Saves The Day</strong></p>



<p>In the 68th minute, Mensah overlaps Jordan on the left flank and receives the ball and whips in a low cross. Inaki Williams’ shot attempt misses the ball. His misfortune turns into Kudus’ second goal. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu’s right hand touches the ball but is unable to stop it from going into the net. The Taegeuk Warriors dominate overwhelmingly dominate possession for the duration of the match as they chase an equalizer. It never comes.</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIFA rankings</a>, this is the second biggest upset at the tourney. It is only topped by Saudi Arabia defeating Argentina. Ghana now head into their third match against Uruguay on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">Friday</a> with a chance to advance to the round of 16.</p>


Ghana defeats South Korea, 3-2 in exhilarating FIFA World Cup match between two teams attempting to reach the round of 16.

Ghana survives five-goal thriller against South Korea - World Soccer Talk

Ghana survives five-goal thriller against South Korea


<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/south-korea-national-team-tv-schedule/">South Korea</a> head coach Paulo Bento has revealed his 26-man World Cup 2022 roster.</p>



<p>Included in this squad is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> star Son Heung-Min.  The forward fractured the orbital bone in his face just 11 days ago.  </p>



<p>Because of the injury, Son had to be substituted in the first half of a Champions League match with Marseille on November 1st.  </p>



<p>The South Korean previously needed to be helped off of the pitch during the game in France.  Although he was able to walk off the field on the night, Son wobbled and appeared to have trouble with his vision as he went down the tunnel.</p>



<p>Bento claimed that he has spoken with his star player before making the decision.  “We are in contact with him, with the Tottenham medical department, but about the exact time, the exact day he can train with the team we don’t have that information yet,” Bento <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4800329/son-heung-min-lead-south-korea-fifa-world-cup-despite-recent-injury-worry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explained</a> as he revealed his 26-man squad on Saturday.</p>



<p>“So we need to wait, we need to analyze day-by-day his situation,” the coach continued.  “We have time to decide and the most important is he recovers as well as possible, he feels comfortable and then we will take the final decision.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sonny confirmed for the World Cup! 🇰🇷<br><br>Congrats, <a href="https://twitter.com/Sonny7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sonny7</a> 👏 <a href="https://t.co/zUvV02js5g">pic.twitter.com/zUvV02js5g</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1591379919824715776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h5>Spurs have missed Son while he recovers from injury</h5>



<p>Son has obviously not played a match since the Marseille game early this month.  The injury forced the star to miss the final three Spurs games before the World Cup break.  The north London outfit has clearly missed one of their most important players.</p>



<p>Without Son, Spurs have lost to Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.  The Liverpool loss was a tightly-contested Premier League matchup.  However, the defeat away to Forest came in the Carbao Cup third round.  Spurs also have a Premier League matchup against Leeds on Saturday.  It is their final game before the World Cup break.</p>



<p>Bento’s team will start their World Cup in Qatar with a matchup against Uruguay on Thursday, November 24th.  The Asian team is part of a tough Group H alongside Portugal, Ghana, and Uruguay. </p>



<h5><strong>Full South Korea World Cup roster</strong></h5>



<p><strong>Goalkeepers:</strong>&nbsp;Kim Seung-Gyu, Jo Hyeon-Woo, Song Bum-Keun.</p>



<p><strong>Defenders</strong>: Kim Min-Jae, Kim Young-Gwon, Kwon Kyung-Won, Cho Yu-Min, Kim Moon-Hwan, Yoon Jong-Gyu, Kim Tae-Hwan, Kim Jin-Su, Hong Chul.</p>



<p><strong>Midfielders:</strong>&nbsp;Jung Woo-Young, Son Jun-Ho, Paik Seung-Ho, Hwang In-Beom, Lee Jae-Sung, Kwon Chang-Hoon, Jeong Woo-Yeong, Lee Kang-In, Son Heung-Min, Hwang Hee-Chan, Na Sang-Ho, Song Min-Kyu.</p>



<p><strong>Forwards:</strong>&nbsp;Hwang Ui-Jo, Cho Gue-Sung.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / Penta Press</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Tottenham Hotspur star Son Hueng-Min has been called up to the South Korea World Cup 2022 squad despite injury concerns

South Korea reveals World Cup 2022 squad - World Soccer Talk

South Korea reveals World Cup 2022 squad


<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham</a> star Son Heung-min will soon have surgery to repair a broken cheekbone, putting his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> status at risk. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/south-korea-national-team-tv-schedule/">South Korea</a> international suffered the nasty injury during the first half of his club’s UEFA Champions League match against Marseille on Tuesday. Spurs went on to win the game and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/tottenham-top-crazy-champions-league-group-d-20221101-WST-406542.html">finish top of their Champions League group</a>.</p>



<p>Son collided with Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba about halfway through the first half. Mbemba’s shoulder went into Son’s head as they both attempted an aerial challenge. </p>



<p>The Spurs forward was obviously in pain, as he stayed down on the pitch for some time. He eventually got to his feet and walked off of the field; however, Son wobbled and needed help staying in a straight line as he entered the tunnel.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11382997/Heung-min-Son-MISS-Sundays-match-vs-Liverpool-suffering-head-injury-vs-Marseille.html?ns_mchannel=rss&amp;ns_campaign=1490&amp;ito=1490" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Mail</a> previously reported that Son potentially broke the zygomatic bone on the left side of Son’s face. The outlet claimed that the star was undergoing tests to reveal the damage. Spurs later confirmed the broken bone.</p>



<p>“We can confirm that Son Heung-min will undergo surgery to stabilize a fracture around his left eye,” an official Spurs <a href="https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2022/november/son-to-undergo-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announcement</a> read. “Following surgery, Son will commence rehabilitation with our medical staff and we shall update supporters further in due course.” </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We can confirm that Heung-Min Son will undergo surgery to stabilise a fracture around his left eye.</p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1587906105774055425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Son Heung-min World Cup status in question</h2>



<p>Son will certainly miss Sunday’s massive matchup against Liverpool in London. However, it remains to be seen just how long the 30-year-old forward will be out of action. After the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> game, Spurs have two more matches before the World Cup break.</p>



<p>South Korea also have a friendly fixture set for Friday, Nov. 11. While his country surely won’t rush Son back for the friendly, it will be race to get their superstar back in time for the World Cup. Nevertheless, there are hopes inside the camp that he will be available during the competition. South Korea’s first game of the tournament is on Thursday, Nov. 24, against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/uruguay-national-team-tv-schedule/">Uruguay</a>.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PanoramiC</em></p>


Son Heung-min underwent surgery to fix broken bone in face, but his World Cup hopes are still undetermined.

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