South Korea through to last 16 after late winner over Portugal

Doha, Dec 2 (EFE).- South Korea qualified for the Round of 16 after beating Portugal 2-1 thanks to a dramatic 91st minute winner from Hwang Hee-chan at Education City Stadium on Friday.

Hwang converted after Son Heung-min had run the length of the pitch and played him through with a delicate pass to send the Korean players and fans into raptures, although they still faced an excruciating wait after the final whistle until the match between Uruguay and Ghana had ended.

South Korea went into the match knowing only a victory would do, but they still needed help from Uruguay, who would have gone through had they scored one more goal in their match against Ghana, which ended 2-0.

Portugal, who rested many of their star players having already secured their spot in the next round, had taken an early lead when Ricardo Horta tapped in from Diogo Dalot’s run and pass.

Kim Young-Gwon leveled the score on 27 minutes when he bundled in a corner from close range.

South Korea will face the Group G winners, which will likely be Brazil, and Portugal will take on one of Switzerland, Cameroon or Serbia. EFE

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