Fans Disheartened as South Korea's World Cup Hopes Hinge on 'What Ifs' After Shock Loss

Disappointment washed over the crowd at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul as South Korea suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat against South Africa in their third World Cup qualifier. What was anticipated as a match to secure a spot in the Round of 32 turned into a tense affair, with fans sighing and exclaiming in frustration as the game unfolded.

Thousands of fans, clad in red, gathered hours before kickoff, filling the square and spilling onto adjacent roads. The atmosphere was initially hopeful, with many expecting a comfortable victory against an opponent considered weaker. Some fans traveled from afar, hoping to witness a decisive win and reignite the passionate cheering atmosphere reminiscent of the 2002 World Cup.

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We lost to a weaker team. We couldn't create many chances except for Lee Kang-in's shot early on. Honestly, with 3 points, there's no hope. We just have to pray.

Early in the match, South Korea showed promise with a shot from Lee Kang-in narrowly missing the goal. However, the game became increasingly frustrating, marked by missed opportunities and near-defensive blunders. Cheers of "Oh, Seung-ri Korea!" were interspersed with gasps of anxiety during South Africa's counter-attacks. Calls for star player Son Heung-min, who was not in the starting lineup, grew louder, with fans erupting in applause when he was seen warming up on the sidelines.

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I wanted to give my son the same cheering experience as the 2002 World Cup, but we lost, which is a shame. I wanted to win and have a festival together.

The introduction of Son Heung-min and Jens in the second half injected some energy, but the decisive blow came in the 18th minute when South Africa scored. The stadium fell into a stunned silence, with fans slumping in their seats or covering their mouths in disbelief. The loss meant South Korea finished third in their group with only 3 points, placing their World Cup qualification in jeopardy and relying on the results of other matches and tie-breaking criteria.

Despite the crushing defeat, some fans maintained a sliver of hope. "We lost to a weaker team. We couldn't create many chances except for Lee Kang-in's shot early on," said one fan. "Honestly, with 3 points, there's no hope. We just have to pray." Others expressed sadness at not being able to provide their children with the same celebratory atmosphere they experienced in 2002. Yet, even in disappointment, some vowed to return for future matches if the team manages to qualify, showing enduring support.

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The midfielders looked tired, having played without rest for three games. We'll likely need luck to advance to the Round of 32. But if we do qualify, we'll cheer here again in the square.