Wamma! On 18 June 2002 in Daejeon, co-hosts South Korea faced Italy in the Round of 16. Italy thought they had won 1-0 with Vieri's header. Then Korea equalized late through Seol Ki-hyeon. In extra time, Francesco Totti was sent off for an alleged dive — replays were inconclusive. And then Ahn Jung-hwan rose like a giant to head home the GOLDEN GOAL winner. Italy were OUT. The Korean Tigers had stunned a footballing superpower in front of a delirious home crowd!
Year: 2002 Match: South Korea vs Italy Location: Daejeon World Cup Stadium Round: Round of 16 Category: Asian Upset
The Moment
- South Korea were co-hosting the 2002 World Cup with Japan in their first ever knockout match
- Ahn Jung-hwan scored the golden goal extra-time winner with a header in the 117th minute
- Italy captain Francesco Totti was controversially sent off for a second-yellow dive
- Ecuadorian referee Byron Moreno was widely criticized in Italian media for his performance
- Korea went on to reach the semi-finals — the only Asian nation in history to ever do so
The Verdict
South Korea 2-1 Italy was one of the most dramatic upsets in World Cup history. A host nation, with their fans BEHIND them, dragging a footballing power down to defeat in extra time. The Italian fury at Totti's red card and the disallowed Tomasi golden goal made it iconic. Korea's run to the semis was Asia's MIRACLE moment!
Tomorrow: #14 — Stay tuned for the next magical World Cup moment!
