Racing Post

Hosts Qatar aiming to be more South Korea than South Africa

At 11- 8 to qualify from their group, South Korea were outsiders to make the last 16.. Four points from their first two gamees set up a daren’t- lose showdownn with Luis Figo’s Portugal and they caame through 1-0.

But the bestb – and most controversial – was yety to come.

In the lasst-16 they beat Italy 2-1 and in the lastt eight Spain on penalties with cons piracy accusations flying left, right and centre over questionable pena lties, red cards and disallowed goalls, with both Italy and Spain claiming GGolden Goal winners only for both too be chalked off. Germany beat them 1-0 in the semis – pre-tournament thhey had been 66- 1 to be knocked ouut in the last four. of those occasions to self- destruct, South Africa still became the first host nation in tournament history to fail to advance past round one.

With a world ranking of 83 and group qualification odds of 2-1 it’s fair to say little was expected of Carlos Alberto Parreira’s side, yet even then, roared on by a passionate home fanbase, they still almost made it, getting pipped by Mexico on goal difference.

Russia 2018

Winners

Runners-up

Top goalscorer

Player of the tournament

Young player

2021 Copa America

June 13 – July 10, 2021 Winners

Runners-up

Top goalscorer

Player of the tournament

2020 Olympics

July21,2021–August7,2021 Winners

Runners-up

Bronze medal

Top goalscorer

WORLD CUP 2022

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2022-11-17T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-17T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://racingpost.pressreader.com/article/282797835365579

Racing Post