South Korea's Victory Over Spain in Penalty Shootout - 2002-06-22

South Korea, co-hosting the 2002 World Cup with Japan, triumphed over Spain thanks to a penalty shootout and advanced to the semifinals of this year's tournament. The match between South Korea and Spain ended without a result after regular time and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout where the stadium in Gwangju witnessed five goals from the host team and three from Spain. All four initial penalties taken by the South Korean players were converted into goals. The Spaniards also scored three out of their first four attempts. However, Joaquin, the fourth Spanish player, hesitated before taking his shot, but the South Korean goalkeeper was not fooled and also paused before stopping the actual shot. At this moment, Hong Myung-bo, the captain of the South Korean team, stepped up and, while a nation watched anxiously, he scored the decisive goal, securing victory for South Korea. Kim Ji-myung, a resident of Seoul, described his feelings to a Voice of America reporter after the victory: 'It's unbelievable, really like a dream that has come true. Just reaching the next round was strange enough, but I never expected the Korean team to reach the World Cup semifinals. I shouted so much that I lost my voice and I don't know what to say anymore; it's amazing.'