Loss to Ghana Dims Korea's Hopes of Advancing to Next Stage

Korea fought hard but fell to Ghana in its second group match at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Monday.

The 3-2 loss cast a dark cloud over Korea's bid to advance to the round of 16 for the first time since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

After allowing two goals -- one each to Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus -- in the first half at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Korea scored back-to-back goals off Cho Gue-sung's headers in the 58th and 61st minute to draw level at 2-2 in the second half, but conceded one more goal to Kudus in the 68th minute.

Korea then pushed harder and won a corner kick before the final whistle blew, but a referee ended the game before it could be taken. Korea's national football team manager Paulo Bento protested so vociferously to the referee that he received a red card.

Korea went on the attack from the start to increase its chances of advancing to the next stage with a win but lacked the precision needed to put points on the board.

While Ghana had just two shot attempts in the first half but converted both into goals, all five of Korea's attempts missed the net. Throughout the match, Korea recorded six shots on target out of 19 attempts, compared to Ghana's three out of just seven attempts. 

It also earned 12 corner kicks but failed to score from them while retaining 52 percent of ball possession, compared to Ghana's 31 percent.

Korea, which drew with Uruguay 0-0 in its first match on Nov. 24, failed to add to its point tally, which remains at 1 after a draw and a loss. But there is still hope of reaching the knockout stage. If Korea beats Portugal in its third match on Friday, it will have a chance to go through with four points.