Son Heung-min cried 'tears of happiness' after South Korea beat Portugal at World Cup

Captain 'very proud' of teammates following 2-1 victory that secured place in last-16

Hwang Hee-chan celebrates after scoring South Korea's late winner in their 2-1 World Cup group-stage win over Portugal at the Education City Stadium, on Friday, December 2, 2022. AP

South Korea players celebrate after the match. AP

South Korea's players celebrate after finding out they had qualified for the last-16 ahead of Uruguay. AP

South Korea's players celebrate after finding out they had qualified for the last-16 ahead of Uruguay. AP

Hwang Hee-chan celebrates after South Korea qualified for the last-16. Getty

South Korea's Hwang Hee-chan scores their second goal. Reuters

Ricardo Horta celebrates scoring for Portugal. Getty

Kim Young-gwon scores for South Korea. Reuters

South Korea attacker Son Heung-min. AP

Portugal's Ricardo Horta scores after just five minutes. AP

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo after missing a chance. AFP

Kim Young-gwon celebrates scoring for South Korea.

Portugal players mob Ricardo Horta after his early goal. AP

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo heads a chance wide. AFP

Portugal's Pepe attempts to block a shot by South Korea captain Son Heung-min. AP

Portugal defender Pepe. AFP

Son Heung-min said he cried “tears of happiness” after South Korea beat Portugal 2-1 to reach the World Cup last 16 on Friday.

The Koreans appeared to be heading out of the tournament in Qatar for much of the game but Hwang Hee-chan's 91st minute winner lifted them to second in Group H, behind Portugal.

They faced a nervous wait on the pitch for Uruguay's match against Ghana to finish. The South Americans won 2-0 but were unable to find the one goal extra they needed, going out on goals scored.

Tottenham striker Son was again not at his best and has still not scored in Qatar, but produced a brilliant assist for Hwang's winner.

“I believe these tears are tears of happiness,” said captain Son. “We waited really long for this moment and we as players believed altogether we could do this.

“There were moments when I wasn't able to do my best and I am thankful for my teammates that they were able to cover me in the moments I wasn't able to fulfil my duties, and I'm very proud of them.”

South Korea's Son Heung-min celebrates after South Korea qualify for the World Cup knockout stages. Reuters

South Korea, who were eliminated in the group stage in 2014 and 2018, have now reached the knockout phase for only the third time in their history.

If Brazil finish top of their group later Friday they will face South Korea in the next round.

“Going into the round of 16 was our goal and now we have higher goals and we will do our best to achieve those goals,” said Son.

“No one knows the world of football, especially now, and [if] we have a chance to beat Brazil we will do our best and prepare our best game.”