Ghana won a thrilling match full of twists and turns against South Korea in front of an electrifying crowd at the Education City Stadium in Qatar.
A 10-minute spell in the first half for the African nation gave them a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Southampton defender Mohamed Salisso and Ajax’s Mohamed Quddus.
However, South Korea’s comeback after the break ended the raucous celebrations from the Ghanaian fans at half-time.
Two superb headers in three minutes from their domestic league top scorer Cho Guosung leveled the game after 61 minutes.
But the impressive Quddus, who deftly headed in Jordan Ayew’s cross in the first half, added a final twist when he scored a third for Ghana to break South Korean hearts.
Chances continued to fall South Korea’s way as they searched for another equalizer but, despite 10 minutes of added time, Ghana held on.
There were emotional scenes at the final whistle as several South Korean players fell to the ground while manager Paulo Bento was sent off for arguing with English referee Anthony Taylor after a corner was not allowed despite 10 minutes gone.
Assistant coach Sergio Costa said afterwards that we had a chance for a corner kick, the referee took that chance away from us.
“Paulo [Bento] reacted, I was nearby and he didn’t say anything that was inappropriate for the referee. It was the reaction of a man who felt a lack of justice at the end of the match.
“It’s a normal reaction from someone who did everything to win and didn’t. We can feel sad and we can feel a lack of justice. We gave our lives on the pitch.”
In contrast, excited Ghana substitutes took to the pitch to celebrate as fans in the stands whistled and danced in celebration.
With South Korea coming after Portugal, it feels like an important defeat, while Ghana – unfortunate to lose against Portugal – will face Uruguay knowing that a win will take them to the last 16 and A draw may be enough.
Portugal secured their progress to the knockout stages by beating Uruguay 2-0 in Monday’s late match.
