South Korea achieved its goal of advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time in 12 years in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Though the squad failed to progress to the quarterfinals after losing to Brazil 4-1 in the Round of 16, the players’ dynamic performance left many wondering what the future of South Korean football holds.

Team Korea had to face formidable opponents after being placed in Group H alongside Portugal, Ghana and Uruguay.

South Korea held Uruguay to a scoreless draw in the opening group match and lost to Ghana 3-2 in their second match. With the results, South Korea’s prospect of advancing to the Round of 16 seemed bleak.

However, Team Korea managed to create a miracle in the last group match with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over ninth-ranked Portugal. The victory and goals scored meant South Korea finished second in the group to make their first knockout stage appearance in 12 years.

Many observers lauded the Korean players’ performance in putting up a good fight against international footballing powerhouses.

Team Korea had previously finished fourth in the 2002 South Korea-Japan World Cup and reached the Round of 16 in the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

Photo : YONHAP News

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