Ahn Jung-hwan totally redeemed himself.

SEOUL, June 18 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - One second the tears were running through the flag painted on the cheek of thousands of South Korean fans, the next “red Devils” equalized and were back on the way to a stunning World Cup win over Italy. The historical win extended South Korea’s World Cup glory further, unlike other co-host Japan’s glory that was killed by a defeat from Turkey earlier Tuesday.

Thousands of then disappointed South Korean spectators were starting to make their way home from central Seoul when Seol Ki-Hyeon equalized two minutes from the end.

"They did their best. Even if they lose, I admire them and their fighting spirit," one spectator said, out of her tears, before staring up at the electronic screen at Seoul City Hall in disbelief and screaming for joy, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The wall of noise erupted again around the country and became an explosion when Ahn Jung-Hwan scored the golden goal winner.

Hwan, South Korean football's poster boy with David Beckham popularity, made millions cry with joy as his side kicked Italy out of the World Cup 2-1.

Ahn, whose face stares down from the bedroom walls of Korean teenagers, redeemed himself from missing a first half penalty and two other gilt-edged chances against Italy in the World Cup second-round showdown by scoring the golden goal winner for Korea.

It was the signal for mass celebration at the stadium and throughout the country with millions kissing his poster in celebration.

The Italian-based striker's spot kick after just four minutes was saved by Gianlugi Buffon in the Italian goal.

They salute their fans.

Super striker Christian Viera put Italy ahead with a powerful header from a corner in the 18th minute before Ahn had a chance to equalize.

He slipped his marker in the box with a neat back flick but with just Buffon to beat he hit the ball past the post.

Just before half time he had a long range effort saved by Buffon and in the second half hit an effort from the edge of the box over the bar.

The 40,000 crowd, in Daejeon Stadium, tried to console the golden boy by chanting his name but Ahn's downcast expression at half-time and after the final whistle at 90 minutes told its own sad story.

It was only at the final pre-tournament training camp that coach Guus Hiddink was convinced of Ahn's ability.

Dutchman Hiddink, who spotted latent talent in several Korean players, included him in his World Cup squad and Ahn repaid the compliment with interest by scoring the equalizer against the United States in their second group match.

Ahn, who plays in Italy with Perugia, grew even further in the popularity stakes when he rose to head Korea's only goal of the match.

Meanwhile, Turkey's 1-0 defeat of Japan in the earlier second-round match gave South Korean fans even greater fervor at the prospect of doing better in the tournament than their arch rivals.

Japan’s defeat was rather sudden, as they did better than Turkey in the preliminary matches, and snatched the top of their group after beating Russia 1-0, Tunisia 2-0, while earlier equalized with Belgium 2-2.

Two thousand fireworks were let off from the roofs of skyscrapers in Seoul and Daejeon, where the match was played, as hundreds of thousands of people cried tears of joy, hugged each other and danced.

South Korea's coach Guus Hiddink.

Millions of fans who crowded city centers across the country joined celebrations that brought even more people onto the streets than giant pro-democracy demonstrations in 1987.

National flags were pushed out of car windows within minutes of the victory. Even women with babies joined the dancing around the Gwanghwamun, where three electronic advertising screens had become a magnet for South Korean fans on match days.

Police said there were 500,000 people at Gwanghwamun and another 500,000 at City Hall to watch the dramatic win over Italy.

South Korea completed the line-up for the World Cup quarter-finals. On Friday, June 21, Germany will meet the U.S. in Ulsan, South Korea, then England plays Brazil in Shizuoka, Japan. On Saturday, June 22, Spain is to clash with South Korea in Gwangju, South Korea, then African Lions Senegal will play against Turkey in Osaka, Japan.

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