Mohammed Kudus scored twice as Ghana beat South Korea 3-2 in a pulsating encounter on Monday to maintain their World Cup hopes alive and depart Paulo Bento’s aspect – that includes the enduring Son Heung-Min – dealing with an early exit.
South Korea chased onerous on the loss of life and got here near an equaliser in 10 minutes of stoppage time, solely to fall brief.
Bento was despatched off after protesting on the finish of the match that English referee Anthony Taylor had not allowed a nook to be taken.
South Korea’s assistant coach Sergio Costa bemoaned the “completely unfair” consequence. “Not even a draw was truthful,” he stated. “We completely deserved the win so we will be very, very happy with what we’ve got executed. The consequence wasn’t truthful. You can depend on us for the subsequent match.”
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WRAP: 11 objectives in two video games – and PLENTY of chaos on World Cup’s wildest night time
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South Korea’s Portuguese coach Paulo Bento (R) is given a pink card by English referee Anthony Taylor throughout the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group H soccer match between South Korea and Ghana on the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha, on November 28, 2022. (Photo by JUNG Yeon-je / AFP)Source: AFPBento was livid.Source: AFP
Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring in opposition to the run of play halfway by the primary half at Education City Stadium and Ajax midfielder Kudus doubled the Black Stars’ lead.
But the Asian aspect, who appeared toothless within the first half, roared again after the break, pulling stage by a quickfire double from ahead Cho Gue-sung both aspect of the hour mark.
Ghana appeared shell-shocked because the Korean followers celebrated wildly however they have been again in entrance within the 68th minute when Kudus completed calmly on the again publish after his teammate Inaki Williams failed to attach with a cross from the left.
The consequence takes Ghana second in Group H on three factors. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal may have six factors and safe qualification for the final 16 in the event that they beat Uruguay within the later kick-off in Qatar.
South Korea have only one level, gained of their opening 0-0 draw in opposition to Uruguay.
“It was emotional, ups and downs,” stated Ghana coach Otto Addo, who admitted South Korea have been dominant at first of the match and gave his group enormous issues after the break.
“At the tip we have been a bit fortunate however that is soccer,” he added. “Against Portugal we have been unfortunate and now we’re fortunate and we’re actually, actually pleased that our passionate combat bought rewarded.”
The Asian aspect, captained by Son Heung-min, have been faster to settle, forcing a succession of corners however have been unable to vogue a shot heading in the right direction in your complete first half.
Son appeared uncomfortable within the black face masks he’s carrying after having surgical procedure for a facial damage he suffered whereas taking part in for Tottenham, continually readjusting it.
South Korea’s playerswere gutted at full-time.Source: AFP
Ghana, who misplaced their opener 3-2 to Portugal, struggled to realize a foothold within the recreation.
But the match completely modified complexion within the twenty fourth minute when the spectacular Jordan Ayew, taking part in down the left for Ghana, swung in a free-kick.
South Korea didn’t clear and Southampton centre-back Salisu completed along with his left foot, sparking wild scenes of celebration among the many Ghana followers decked out in pink, yellow and inexperienced.
The aim revitalised the African nation, who reached the quarter-finals in 2010, with South Korea struggling to cope with their physicality and direct strategy.
Now taking part in with aptitude and confidence, Ghana poured ahead and doubled their lead within the thirty fourth minute when Kudus powered a header house after a pinpoint Jordan Ayew cross from the left.
Captain Andre Ayew — the brother of Jordan — referred to as his males right into a group huddle on the pitch and the gamers bought soaked by the sprinklers after the halftime whistle.
Ghana’s defender #23 Alexander Djiku (R) and Ghana’s midfielder #08 Daniel-Kofi Kyereh react after the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group H soccer match between South Korea and Ghana on the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha, on November 28, 2022. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)Source: AFP
The Koreans eventually discovered the web within the 58th minute when Cho headed house a cross from substitute Lee Kang-in, who had simply been introduced on by Bento.
And they have been stage simply three minutes later when Cho headed house Kim Jin-su’s ball from the left, sparking scenes of delirium among the many Korean followers.
Ghana have been rocking however they dug deep and restored their lead halfway by the second half by the spectacular Kudus.
South Korea got here again once more. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi was compelled right into a scrambling save to push away a free-kick whereas Salisu cleared off the road.
South Korea saved up their relentless stress throughout 10 minutes of added time however couldn’t discover an equaliser and quite a lot of their gamers collapsed to the turf on the closing whistle, considering a 3rd straight exit on the group stage of a World Cup.