Hwang Heechan’s late winner sends South Korea to World Cup last 16

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Hwang Heechan on Friday took South Korea to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, scoring the winning goal against group winners Portugal in injury time.

Portugal broke the deadlock with a close-range finish from Ricardo Horta in the fifth minute at Education City Stadium.

South Korea leveled the game when Kim Younggwon scored a 27-minute goal from the penalty area.

Heechan scored a stoppage-time winner on a quick counterattack as the game ended with a 2-1 score in favor of South Korea.

Despite the loss, Portugal advanced to the knockout stage as the Group H winner.

First-place Portugal collected six points and second-place South Korea have four points.

Having four points, Uruguay are out of the tournament on goals scored. Ghana finished bottom of the group with three points.