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Korea Makes World Cup History, Beats Portugal

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Portugal, needing the win, were expected to come out in top gear, but were rocked onto their heels as South Korea went on the offensive from the whistle.

An aggressive display of passing football was coupled with wince-inducing tackles and determined pressing that left their opponents clearly flustered.

Luis Figo, the man all of South Korea feared would wreck their dream, was shut down for the first 10 minutes by the tigerish Lee Young-pyo. Switchhing to the left, the Real Madrid maestro found himself tracked relentlessly by Song Chong-gug.

Five times in the opening 45 minutes, Figo tried to take on Song one-on-one; five times, the 23-year-old Korean stripped the ball away and strode upfield as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Song is possibly the most technically-gifted player in this side, but saved his best performance of this World Cup - so far - for this crucial tie. It is probably safe to say that if the FIFA World Player of the Year has any nightmares in the coming weeks, a white-shirted South Korean wingback will feature heavily in them.

This was, however, a colossal performance by a midfield that thoroughly dominated the Portuguese even before a dreadful loss of composure from Joao Pinto left his side a man short from the 27th minute on.

South Korea had been winning practically every 50-50 ball in all areas of the field. Portugalnulls frustration boiled over in a moment of madness, Pinto lunging at Park Ji-sung from behind and giving the referee no option other than to produce the red card.

Suddenly, the temperament that has let this team down in the past had reared its ugly head once more.

The home team had already taken control at this stage, however, and if anything the effect was to make them relax and allow Portugal back into the game.

The ball was in the Portuguese net four minutes later, but the cheers were cut short by the referee, who ruled correctly that Choi Jin-cheul had fouled goalkeeper Vitor Baia before Seol Ki-hyeon finished.

Portugalnulls only chance of the half came in the 34th minute as a long ball from Figo got Pauleta beyond the last man, Choi Jin-cheul. The hat-trick hero of Portugalnulls 4-0 win over Poland, however, was unnerved as Hong Myung-bo came thundering in from his right to cover a hurried shot well over.

Far from holding on to what they had, South Korea opened the second half much as they had the first, pushing for the goal that would make things certain, Seol Ki-hyeon heading Kim Nam-ilnulls center narrowly wide within two minutes of the restart.

Seolnulls one-two with Ahn three minutes later allowed the Anderlecht striker to cross for Yoo Sang-chul, but the midfield generalnulls header was deflected behind for a corner.

A brief rally saw Portugal come close in the 62nd minute as Lee Woon-jae had to be alert to paw away Pauletanulls header after the striker had stooped to flick Figonulls corner goalward.

Any confidence they had gained from this evaporated four minutes later. Caught flatfooted by a burst of acceleration from Lee Young-pyo, right-back Beto caught the Korean late and having already been booked midway through the first half for a foul on Seol Ki-hyeon, was given his marching orders.

South Korea capitalized within five minutes with a goal of sublime quality. Taking Lee Young-pyonulls cross on his chest, Park Ji-sung flicked it over Sergio Conceicao with his right foot a drilled half-volley home with his left, inspiring quite possibly one of the biggest roars ever heard in a football stadium anywhere.

There were a few nervous moments for the hosts, Figo sending a free-kick inches wide and Conceicao volleying against the foot of the post.

Had South Korea been ruthless, a number of breaks upfield may have resulted in a wider margin, but South Korea - the team and the entire nation - will hardly be dissatisfied.

Italy are up next. After this performance, anything is possible.