Soccer: South Korea transform World Cup

YOKOHAMA, Japan - South Korea transported a first Asian World Cup already overflowing with drama and excitement into another dimension by eliminating three-times champions Italy early this morning (NZ time).

The most unpredictable tournament since the inaugural 1930 Cup in Uruguay took a further twist when the Koreans advanced to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 golden goal win over one of the world's traditional soccer powers. Co-hosts Japan were earlier eliminated when they lost 1-0 to Turkey in driving rain in Miyagi.

In a tournament of constant surprises, defending champions France and twice winners Argentina have already left early after they were knocked out in the first round.

Now the Italian aristocrats depart after a golden goal winner from Ahn Jung-hwan in Taejon which electrified a nation already gripped by football fever.

The South Korean capital Seoul erupted with unrestrained joy after Ahn's winner. Fireworks exploded in the city centre where around 900,000 red-shirted fans had gathered to watch the match on giant television screens.

"They are one of the superpowers of world football," said South Korea's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink. "I think this is unique."

South Korea, who failed to win a match in their previous five appearances on the world's biggest stage, are only the second Asian team to qualify for the quarter-finals. North Korea, who had never appeared before or since, made the final eight in 1966.

The Korean triumph also ensured each of the five FIFA confederations -- Europe, South America, North and Central America, Africa and Asia -- are represented in the quarter-finals for the first time.

Italy got an early let-off when keeper Gianluigi Buffon saved a fifth-minute penalty from Ahn.

They appeared to be reasserting the natural order of world football when Vieri headed a simple chance in the 18th minute.

As the match wore on the crowd of 39,000 began to settle into a glum silence before Seol Ki-hyeon set the match alight when he pounced on a Christian Panucci error to snatch the equaliser.

Italy disintegrated in extra time when Francesco Totti was sent off for diving and Ahn set the crowd into ecstasy with the winning goal.

Earlier, Turkey demolished Japan's World Cup dream and recorded their greatest Cup triumph.

Midfielder Umit Davala rose high in the 12th minute to head the only goal of a match played in relentless rain throughout.

Japanese players left the field in tears and the vast majority of the crowd of almost 46,000 stood in stunned silence, in bleak contrast to the jubilation which greeted the first round victories over Russia and Tunisia.

"Our great adventure is over," said Japan's French coach Philippe Troussier. "Today I was very proud to be their trainer and to have worn the Japanese shirt for four years."

Japan had their chances, with Brazilian-born Alex forcing Turkey goalkeeper Rustu Recber to make a smart save in the 20th minute.

Three minutes before the break, Alex curled a free kick from 25 metres against the bar after Hidetoshi Nakata had been fouled.

Turkish soccer has grown in stature over the past 10 years, partly due to the descendants of Turkish immigrants who grew up and learned their football in Germany before returning home.

They made the last eight of the 2000 European championship in the same season that Galatasaray won the UEFA Cup.

Turkey's only previous finals appearance was in 1954 when they lost 4-1 and 7-2 to West Germany in the group stages.

South Korea meet Spain in Kwangju in their quarter-final scheduled for Kwangju, South Korea on Saturday. Turkey play Senegal in Osaka, Japan.

On the previous day England play Brazil in Shizuoka, Japan. Germany meet the United States in Ulsan, South Korea.

- REUTERS

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and team lists
Stars
Schedule
Points tables
Previous winners and key statistics

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles