The possibility of South Korea advancing to the Round of 32 has completely disappeared. In the last Group K match of the FIFA World Cup in North America on June 28, the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, finishing third in the group with one win, one draw, and one loss, earning four points and securing a spot in the Round of 32.
Because of Congo’s victory, South Korea was unable to qualify for a top-eight spot among the third-place teams from the 12 groups, no matter the result of the J Group’s final match on that day. South Korea did not progress to the knockout rounds at the FIFA World Cup in North America, which followed a 48-nation Round of 32 structure, concluding their tournament in disgrace after being eliminated during the group stage.
Congo’s win ended South Korea’s final chance. The Round of 32 structure led to South Korea’s elimination—despite being in the top 20 of FIFA rankings and having players such as Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae—an unexpected surprise similar to not qualifying for the competition. The Korea Football Association faced criticism for appointing Hong Myung-bo, who was in charge during the disastrous 2014 Brazil World Cup campaign, ultimately meeting experts’ forecasts of an “inevitable disaster,” resulting in a major failure at the FIFA World Cup in North America.
Following a weak 1-2 defeat against South Africa in their third group-stage game on June 25, South Korea ended up third in Group A with a single victory and two setbacks. They closely watched the results of other teams that finished third, holding onto a diminishing chance. Nevertheless, having scored just two goals across three matches and suffered two losses, their chances of advancing to the Round of 32 were slim from the beginning.
That same day, Ghana’s 1-2 defeat to Croatia in the last Group L game meant South Korea required miracles: a tie or loss from the Democratic Republic of Congo in their final Group K match, and in Group J, either Austria beating Algeria or Algeria defeating Austria by two goals.
However, the outcome of the Group K final between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uzbekistan shattered all expectations. The game initially looked promising for South Korea. Uzbekistan, aiming for a quick counterattack, scored in the 10th minute. A well-timed heel pass from Uzbekistan’s star player Fayzullaev reached Shomodorov, the team’s captain and leading scorer in the Turkish league, who executed a curved shot into the goal after the goalkeeper came out.
In the 17th minute, Uzbekistan almost extended their advantage as Mbuku took a quick left-footed shot from outside the box that seemed to go in. However, a video check revealed that Mbuku had committed a handball foul on an Uzbek player prior to the goal, resulting in it being disallowed. Uzbekistan’s situation changed dramatically. Congo’s continuous assaults pushed Uzbekistan onto the back foot, and the first half concluded with both teams adapting to the rhythm of the game.
In the second half, Congo increased their attack, causing Uzbekistan to face significant challenges, narrowly escaping a goal. Uzbekistan’s exhaustion became clear, and they found it difficult to withstand Congo’s pressure.
In the 23rd minute of the second half, Congo leveled the score. A pass from the right side was poorly handled by Uzbekistan’s Abdukodir Khusanov, who fell over an opponent, leading to a penalty. Yoan Wissa confidently placed the ball in the lower-right corner.
Congo took the lead in the 33rd minute. Meschak Elia’s mid-range shot from the left side was deflected by a defender, and substitute Fiston Mayele seized the opportunity with an immediate strike, sending the ball over the goalkeeper.
Uzbekistan countered by adopting a four-back formation and advancing, but tiredness resulted in mistakes. In added time, Wissa clinched the victory with a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, ensuring Congo’s place in the Round of 32 and confirming South Korea’s elimination in the group stage.
In the meantime, the match between Colombia and Portugal in Group K concluded in a 0-0 stalemate. Colombia, expected to win the group, controlled the ball with smooth passing but couldn’t find a way past the defense. Portugal, although having top-tier midfield players, had difficulty dealing with Colombia’s attacks and spent most of the game on the defensive.
Cristiano Ronaldo had one shot on goal out of three chances but failed to find the net. Colombia, having secured two victories and a draw, took the top spot. Portugal progressed as the group’s second-place finisher with one win and two draws.
jasdooit 
Leave a comment