South Koreans thronged the streets early on Saturday, shedding tears of joy in sub-freezing temperatures after their national team’s last-gasp comeback win over Portugal to advance to the last 16 at the soccer World Cup in Qatar.
They celebrated striker Son Heung-min’s tearful post-match interview and munched Ghana-branded chocolates. This was to honour the plucky performance by the African nation, whose match result against Uruguay ensured South Korea’s berth in the knockout round.
About 8 000 supporters gathered in Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul despite the cold and midnight start of the match.
Korea began the match as the third of the four teams in group H and were at risk of returning from Qatar, as they were deadlocked 1-1 with already qualified powerhouse Portugal, until Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Hwang Hee-chan scored in added time to clinch the win.
The team, and the fans back home, then had to wait an agonising 10 minutes to learn they would progress, when Uruguay beat Ghana but crashed out of the tournament on goal difference with Korea. Cheers erupted from apartments and in the streets across South Korea.
Many on social media circulated Son’s interview, in which he said through tears that he had not performed well, thanking his team-mates for pulling off the dramatic win. Son posted photos of the team celebrating the victory, commenting on Instagram: “We did not give up and you did not give up on us. I love you, Korea.” It attracted more than 3 million likes and more than 50 000 cheery replies.
President Yoon Suk-yeol congratulated the team on Facebook, saying he hoped the players would demonstrate their potential and enjoy the tournament.
They play five-time champions Brazil today, seeking another upset to get to the quarterfinals for the second time.
“Ghana chocolate” was trending on South Korean Twitter, referring to a brand by Seoul-based Lotte Confectionery using cocoa beans from Ghana. Some Korean fans touted the African side for doing their best until the last minute.
“I’m going to eat no chocolates other than Ghana until I die,” one person tweeted.
Another added: “What am I doing? On my way to a CVS to get a Ghana, of course.” – Reuters
