Mohammed Salish went from World Cup sinner to Saint as Ghana’s Black Stars saw off a thrilling Korean fightback at the Education City Stadium.
The Southampton defender was gutted to concede the contentious penalty which allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to set Portugal on their way to victory in last week’s Group H opener.
But he more than made amends with the breakthrough goal against the sleepy South Koreans to keep his nation’s hopes alive.
Yet it still indeed a couple more goals from Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus to see Ghana over the line after a stunning second-half comeback inspired by Cho Gue-sung.
For the first 20 minutes Ghana could barely get out of their own penalty-area as they were forced to defend a steady stream of Korean corners.
But Son Heung-min’s delivery left a lot to be denied as he regularly failed to beat the first defender.
And it wasn’t just the mask he was wearing to protect his fractured cheekbone which made him so anonymous.
For Harry Kane’s partner in crime at Spurs was virtually unrecognisable as his team again struggled to turn their possession into goals.
Now they must beat Portugal in their final Group H game on Friday to stand any chance of avoiding elimination at the first hurdle.
Ghana came into this match knowing that defeat for them would definitely mean they were out of the competition.
