Hwang Hee-chan’s injury-time strike gave South Korea a sensational win over Portugal, knocking Uruguay out of the World Cup on the basis of goals scored.
South Korea and Portugal were level at 1-1 by halftime in their World Cup Group H clash, with Kim Young-gwon giving the Taeguk Warriors a lifeline in game they must win to stand a chance of reaching the knockout round.
Portugal, already qualified for the last 16 and needing only a draw to be sure of top spot in the group, had grabbed the lead with a fifth minute goal from Ricardo Horta, who met a Diogo Dalot cross and hammered it home from close range.
Korea equalized off a corner with Kim pouncing on a bouncing ball in the goalmouth and hooking it into the net.
Hwang ran onto Son Heung-min’s pass in the 91st minute to round off a rapid break and start wild celebrations from his side’s fans in the stands.
Players and fans watched the last minutes of Uruguay’s match against Ghana both on the field and in the spectators, knowing that another goal for the South American team would mean their elimination.
South Koreans were able to start the celebrating in earnest after it was determined that they had won by a score of 2-0.
