The last match in the group stage of the World Cup in Brazil, the Belgians played on June 26th. The rivals of the Europeans were the South Korean national team. The Belgians have already secured their way into the next stage of the tournament, and the Asian players had only theoretical chances of continuing the struggle in the playoff stage.
The Belgian team left several players of the main squad in reserve, since the result of the match with the Koreans could not affect the final exit from Group N. The Koreans had chances to continue the struggle in the playoffs only in the event of a major victory over the Europeans. had to hope that the Russians would not be able to beat Algeria in a big way.
The game did not start at the fastest pace. However, both teams tried to quickly pass the center of the field and create dangerous moments at the opponent's goal. Belgian Dries Mertens missed a terrific goal-scoring opportunity, who shot above the crossbar from a few meters. The Asians had the opportunity to open the scoring after a pass into the penalty area of the Europeans, but the Belgian defender cleared the ball from the goal line.
The first half ended in a goalless draw.
The second half of the meeting took place in an approximately equal fight. The Belgians tried to control the ball more, and the Asians with sharp counterattacks disturbed the goalkeeper of the Europeans. At one point, the Belgian goalkeeper was saved by the crossbar after a swing blow from the flank of the Korean midfielder.
At the 77th minute, the audience still saw a goal scored. Belgium striker Origi famously shot from outside the penalty area, but the Koreans goalkeeper reflected the ball, but did not fix it. As a result, Belgian player Jan Vertongen was the first to finish the ball and scored the only goal in the match.
The Koreans could no longer win back - they did not have either the opportunities or the strength for this.
The final result of the meeting 1 - 0 takes Belgium from the first place in group H to the 1/8 finals, where the Europeans will play against the US national team. Team South Korea is ranked last in the group and is heading home.
