How is it possible that someone does not like soccer? Once again this World Cup has provided a high level of entertainment. After yesterday’s scenes that saw Germany eliminated, Group H tried to top off the drama.
Group H Theater
Portugal had secured a place in the round of 16. At different times during the simultaneous matches, the remaining qualifying spot was taken by each of the other three teams.
A long pass down the right flank to Diogo Dalot led to a fine finish from Ricardo Horta to put the Portuguese ahead after five minutes. After Horta’s goal, Portugal and Ghana were the classified teams.
Ghana earned a penalty, but . Ayew missed the chance to avenge the missed penalty kick against Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final. After a bright start, the missed penalty capped off Ghana’s game, a missed chance to reach the round of 16.
Giorgio de Arrascaeta scored five minutes later to give Uruguay the lead after 26 minutes. Moments after Uruguay had taken the lead, Kim Young-Gwon capitalized on a Cristiano Ronaldo mistake to equalize for South Korea. After half an hour, de Arrascaeta scored the second with a sumptuous volley. At this point, Portugal and Uruguay were the passing teams.
Group H was finely balanced for the next hour of play. Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, Son Heung-Min played a perfect ball through three Portuguese defenders to put Hwang Hee-Chan in goal. The clever finale broke the hearts of Uruguayans and sent South Korean fans into ecstasy.
Portugal still managed to advance, but did not help Uruguay out of the group stage of the World Cup. Instead, South Korea scored their ticket to likely fight Brazil.
Portugal advance, but eyes are on more World Cup drama
Portugal used more of the squad against South Korea. The winger rested key starting players. For example, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Félix and Rúben Dias sat down. For most of the game the team played well and looked brilliant. There were some great gameplay passages.
Fans can remember this game for years mainly because South Korea found a winner in overtime. However, Portugal showed something they haven’t necessarily had at the previous World Cup, strength in depth. People are beginning to wonder if this could be the year of Portugal.
I was excited to see Ricardo Horta make an impact. He said that he should start for Portugal before the tournament based on his statistics from last year. Seizing his goal will give him a lot of confidence, despite the loss.
When Horta was joined by Rafael Leão from Milan and André Silva from RB Leipzig, I thought this might be a moment when Portugal would be unleashed. Unfortunately, the trio was pretty forgettable. I think they should be given another chance to lead the attack, but next time with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also on the field to serve.
PHOTO: IMAGO/Xinhua
World Cup 2022 Guide
Here are some resources to help you make the most of the biggest event in soccer!
