<p>South Korea captain <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/son-heung-min" target="_blank">Son Heung-min </a>said he cried "tears of happiness" after the Asian team beat Portugal 2-1 to reach the World Cup last 16 on Friday.</p>.<p>The Koreans appeared to be heading out of the tournament in Qatar for much of the game but Hwang Hee-chan's 91st minute winner lifted them to second in Group H, behind Portugal.</p>.<p>They faced a nervous wait on the pitch for Uruguay's match against Ghana to finish. The South Americans won 2-0 but were unable to find the one goal extra they needed, going out on goals scored.</p>.<p>Tottenham striker Son was again not at his best and has still not scored in Qatar, but produced a brilliant assist for Hwang's winner.</p>.<p>"I believe these tears are tears of happiness," said Son. "We waited really long for this moment and we as players believed altogether we could do this.</p>.<p>"There were moments when I wasn't able to do my best and I am thankful for my teammates that they were able to cover me in the moments I wasn't able to fulfil my duties, and I'm very proud of them."</p>.<p>South Korea, who were eliminated in the group stage in 2014 and 2018, have now reached the knockout phase for only the third time in their history.</p>.<p>"Going into the round of 16 was our goal and now we have higher goals and we will do our best to achieve those goals," said Son.</p>.<p>"No one knows the world of football, especially now, and (if) we have a chance to beat Brazil we will do our best and prepare our best game."</p>
<p>South Korea captain <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/son-heung-min" target="_blank">Son Heung-min </a>said he cried "tears of happiness" after the Asian team beat Portugal 2-1 to reach the World Cup last 16 on Friday.</p>.<p>The Koreans appeared to be heading out of the tournament in Qatar for much of the game but Hwang Hee-chan's 91st minute winner lifted them to second in Group H, behind Portugal.</p>.<p>They faced a nervous wait on the pitch for Uruguay's match against Ghana to finish. The South Americans won 2-0 but were unable to find the one goal extra they needed, going out on goals scored.</p>.<p>Tottenham striker Son was again not at his best and has still not scored in Qatar, but produced a brilliant assist for Hwang's winner.</p>.<p>"I believe these tears are tears of happiness," said Son. "We waited really long for this moment and we as players believed altogether we could do this.</p>.<p>"There were moments when I wasn't able to do my best and I am thankful for my teammates that they were able to cover me in the moments I wasn't able to fulfil my duties, and I'm very proud of them."</p>.<p>South Korea, who were eliminated in the group stage in 2014 and 2018, have now reached the knockout phase for only the third time in their history.</p>.<p>"Going into the round of 16 was our goal and now we have higher goals and we will do our best to achieve those goals," said Son.</p>.<p>"No one knows the world of football, especially now, and (if) we have a chance to beat Brazil we will do our best and prepare our best game."</p>