Suspense, joy and tragedy.
This is how we can sum up this final day of the group stage with a surprise qualification.
Here's what to remember from Friday, December 2.
The perf of the day: South Korea, stunning and historic
After the incredible day on Thursday, which resulted in the elimination of Germany and the qualification of the Japanese, South Korea also honored Asia by overthrowing Portugal (2-1) and qualifying for the first time since 2010 in the Round of 16.
Third in their group before the match with only one small point on the clock, Son Heung-min's teammates, trailing since the 5th minute after a goal from Horda, finally won after added time.
Kim Young-gwon from a corner (27th, 1-1), then Hwang (90+1, 2-1) allowed their nation to dream and continue the competition.
Even if the task looks difficult against Brazil in the eighth, the Taeguk Warriors, in tears at the final whistle, will do everything to bravely play their luck.
The crazy match: Switzerland overthrows Serbia
And if the most spectacular team of this World Cup was Serbia?
After their daunting draw against Cameroon (3-3), the Eagles still experienced an emotional match against Switzerland, who finally qualified in the round of 16 (2-3).
The Swiss selection struck first with a goal from the inexhaustible Xherdan Shaqiri (20th, 0-1), before being overtaken by a header from Mitrovic (27th, 1-1), then overtaken by Vlahovic (35th, 2-1).
At that time, Murat Yakin's men were eliminated, as Serbia had more points in the standings.
But a goal from Monegasque Breel Embolo (44th, 2-2) and a wonderful collective action concluded by Freuler (48th, 2-3) allowed Switzerland to validate their ticket for the next round for the third consecutive time (2014, 2018 and now 2022).
2 - For the first time since England-Argentina in 1998, a #CoupeDuMondeFIFA match saw both teams score at least 2 goals before the break.
Madness.
pic.twitter.com/7TVqptszZY
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) December 2, 2022
Disillusionment: Uruguay and Cameroon, a victory for nothing
Fate did not favor them.
After a sluggish start to the World Cup, with zero goals scored in two games, the Celeste had to win against Ghana to hope to reach the knockout stages.
Thanks to a brace in six minutes from Giorgian De Arrascaeta (26th, 32nd), Uruguay were qualified... Until South Korea's victorious goal against Portugal.
This brutal disillusion is synonymous with the end of the career of the Uruguayan golden generation composed, among others, of Diego Godin (36 years old), Luis Suarez (35 years old) or Edinson Cavani (35 years old).
Luis Suarez, in tears, after the elimination of Uruguay.
AFP/Philip Fong AFP or licensors
For its part, Cameroon, third before the start of the meeting, had to sign a resounding feat against Brazil to pass.
And facing a very reshuffled Brazilian team, the Indomitable Lions won thanks to a goal from Vincent Aboubakar at the end of the match (90 + 2, 1-0).
Insufficient, however, to pass.
It is also a small disappointment for the Cameroonians and Samuel Eto'o, who had declared "want to win the World Cup" before the start of the competition.
The sentence: "FIFA is always against Uruguay"
La Celeste still does not take off after her elimination.
Present in the mixed zone after the match, Luis Suarez attacked FIFA and the refereeing.
“FIFA is always against Uruguay.
FIFA people and referees have to give explanations.
I see a penalty for Edi (Cavani) because the defender cuts him up and puts his body forward.
No excuses, but surreal things are happening during this World Cup.
Uruguay must have more power, because FIFA is always against us ”, cursed the former glory of FC Barcelona.
Vibe...
The image: Brazil does not forget Pelé
The tifo of the supporters present at Lusail Stadium to pay tribute to Pelé, recently hospitalized.
REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
The King was greeted by the crowd.
Before the start of the match between Cameroon and Brazil, the supporters present at Lusail Stadium paid tribute to the triple world champion, hospitalized on Wednesday for a routine visit related to cancer treatment, with a nice tifo.
