It was a miracle. Korea Republic came from behind to defeat Portugal to reach the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup for the second time on the road.

KIM Younggwon and HWANG Heechan struck in each half as Paulo Bento’s charges beat Portugal 2-1 in their final Group H at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan on Friday. With the result, Korea Republic were level on four points with Uruguay but pipped the South Americans into second place by virtue of more goals scored to advance to the knockout stage.

It is the second time that the Taegeuk Warriors have reached the round of 16 away from home, since they achieved the feat for the first time 12 years ago at South Africa 2010.

With Bento sidelined after having been sent off in the previous match against Ghana, senior assistant coach Sergio Costa took the reins in the bench. He made two notable changes: starting LEE Kangin, who had shone after coming off the bench in the first two games, whilst deploying KWON Kyungwon in place of centre-back KIM Minjae.

CHO Guesung started up front, supported by LEE Kangin, SON Heungmin and LEE Jaesung; JUNG Wooyeong and HWANG Inbeom in defensive midfield; KIM Jinsu, KIM Younggwon, KWON Kyungwon and KIM Moonhwan at the back; and KIM Seunggyu between the sticks as usual.

Korea Republic got off to a worst possible start, conceding an early goal to Ricardo Horta after five minutes. But despite the early blow, they fought back through a counter that could have restored parity on 17 minutes. CHO’s glancing header off a SON cross was parried away by Diogo Costa, before KIM Jinsu latched onto the rebound to fire home from close range. However, KIM Jinsu was adjudged to have been offside when CHO attempted the initial header.

They did draw level ten minutes later, when KIM Younggwon – who was one of the heroes in the Miracle of Kazan four years ago at Russia 2018 – equalised with a point-blank volley after LEE Kangin’s corner was deflected on the back of Christiano Ronaldo and into the goalmouth.

At the opposite end, the Portuguese kept up the pressure knocking on KIM Seunggyu’s goal, but the Korea Republic No1 did well to make a series of fine saves including Ronaldo’s effort on the stroke of halftime.

Sergio Costa made no changes during the interval, and his side came out stronger into the second half with SON attempting a couple of efforts on goal. HWANG Heechan then came off the bench to replace LEE Jaesung midway through the second half, making his first appearance at these finals after a two-game layoff due to a hamstring injury.

Korea Republic were dealt another injury blow with ten minutes remaining, when centre-back KIM Younggwon fell on the ground. Midfield SON Junho came on to replace him, with JUNG Wooyoung moving into the central rearguard. HWANG Uijo was then brought on to lead the attack alongside CHO Guesung up front, with the men in red desperate to carve out their chances to score.

And the goal finally arrived after 90 minutes, with substitute HWANG Heechan rising to occasion with a clinical finish following a neat through ball from SON Heungmin. Korea Republic had won 2-1, before Uruguay defeated Ghana 2-0 in another Group H game played simultaneously – it was the Taegeuk Warriors that secured passage to the round of 16.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Group H

Korea Republic 2-1 Portugal

Scorers : Ricardo Horta 5’, KIM Younggwon 27’, HWANG Heechan 90’+1

KOR : KIM Seunggyu, KIM Jinsu, KIM Younggwon(SON Junho 81’), KWON Kyungwon, KIM Moonhwan, JUNG Wooyoung, HWANG Inbeom, SON Heungmin, LEE Jaesung(HWANG Heechan 65’), LEE Kangin (HWNAG Uijo 81’), CHO Guesung(CHO Yumin 90’+3)