Belgium go into todays fixture already having qualified for the last 16 of the tournament and with the second spot still to be determined, the South Koreans have all to play for as they see themselves at the bottom of the group but still within reach of achieving that last spot. In no way does this mean that Belgium wont be trying and going for the win as it still is unsure as whom they’ll be facing; a tie or win means they’ll face the USA and a loss and they could potentially face Germany, given if Algeria has a greater goal difference.
The Belgian side started with a complete change in players as to rotate some starters for the next match. Some of those players include Andan Januzaj, Steven Defour, Anthony Vanden Borre, and Nicolas Lombaerts.
The first clear chance came through a block Kevin Mirallas shot that landed at Dries Mertens feet who eventually skied the ball over the goal in the 25th minute.
A straight red card is shown to Defour for a stamp on Kim Shin Wook in the 45th minute. This will make the rest of the match very interesting.
Despite being down to 10 men, Belgium have applied tons of pressure on the South Koreans back line but the Koreans wont be broken down very easily.
In minute 61, Kim ShinWook heads the ball into the ground from a corner and makes Thibaut Curtois work to make the save.
Finally the breakthrough has come and its the Belgians! Substitute Divock Origi fires in a shot from outside the area which was deflected off the keeper and into the path of Jan Vertonghen who made no mistake and buried the ball into the back of the net.
Despite the Koreans showing determination and heart in the end with various shots towards the opposing goal, the match ends with the one goal separating the two sides.
that wraps up all group stage matches The Belgians progress top of group H and will face the USA in their next match. Algeria clinched the final spot in the group and will face Germany their next match.
Photo Credit: Paulo Whitaker/Reuters