By 
South Korea’s agonising wait for confirmation of their place in the World Cup knockout rounds was described by Son Heung-min as “the longest six minutes of my life” after their 2-1 win over Portugal on Friday advanced them to the last 16.
The Korean captain set up Hwang Hee-chan to score the game-winning goal in the 91st minute against Fernando Santos’ side, leaving the Taeguk Warriors hoping Uruguay cannot extend their two-goal lead over Ghana in the other Group H match.
Uruguay would have advanced to the last 16 on goal difference if they had scored another goal, and the squad huddled together on the Education City Stadium pitch, watching on digital devices as the South Americans ultimately fell short.
“It was the longest six minutes of my life, but in the circle we were really positive,” said Son, who will be playing in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in his career.
“I said: if Uruguay score one more goal, I’m very proud of this team and very happy that you gave it everything and we will see what’s going to happen.
“We were just waiting, but it was a long wait.”
Son scored deep into injury time in that game in Kazan, but the win was meaningless because Mexico’s 3-0 loss to Sweden advanced both nations at the expense of the Shin Tae-yong-coached side.
“This time was different,” said Son. “We were waiting for another result but I didn’t even think about four years ago because I was so happy and I was so proud at this moment.”
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