South Korea 2 Italy 1 (aet)
Seol Ki-hyeon 88, Ahn Jung-Hwan 117; Vieri 18

What a fairy story!! And when ARE you going to learn, Italy?? 'Course, they had no Fabio (suspended) or Nesta (poorly) today, but that is no excuse. I didn't know who I wanted to win this match, as whoever won it would be playing Espana!! However, the Italian national anthem never fails to move me close to tears, and so I guess I was (emotionally) going for them - looked like it was going to be their day too, especially when Korea were awarded a penalty (for a Panucci foul) on around 4 minutes, and Buffon saved Suzy Wong's shot. Vieri then scored on 18 and it all looked plain sailing for Italy. Korea didn't look the same as they had in their previous games - I don't know whether that was through the enormity of the occasion or because the Italians held them at bay. It wasn't a "nice, gentle" game though - there were casualties all over the pitch!! One of the Koreans had his nose broken - and Coco collided with one of his own players and received a very nasty "just above the eye" injury. He ended up wearing a very nifty-looking hat, made out of the same material (bandage netting) that Fabio's erotic-looking cheek shield had been made out of, 4 years ago in France.

The Italians could've and should've scored a second goal, but, much like the Spanish against the Irish, they sat back - seemingly content with their 1-0 lead. In fact, I almost fell asleep towards the end of the 2nd half - and then, up popped Korea with an equalising goal!!! Bedlam!!! So, to golden goal extra-time, and Italy's cause wasn't helped one bit when the Ecuadorian referee (who looked anything but a bundle of laughs), decided to give Totti his second yellow card (for diving) and reduced the Italian ranks to 10. How fitting that it should be Suzy Wong (Ahn Jung-Hwan) who should score the golden goal! He, who had his 5th minute penalty saved - and he who plays (when he can get a look in) for Perugia. He was totally emotionally blunted!!! So were Italy. Well, serves them right. The crowd had kept up a lively rendition of "Ode to Joy" throughout the game. Joy, for them, indeed!

Spain - good news - hopefully the Italians wore the Koreans out!!!

Phew - a couple days off now - and some SLEEP!! I doubt there is anybody in the world who would've picked the 8 teams who are through to the quarters. It's really quite incredible! And the sun's shining!!

Teams

South Korea: Lee Woon-Jae, Choi Jin-Chul, Hong Myung-Bo (Cha Doo-Ri 83), Kim Tae-Young (Hwang Sun-Hong 62); Kim Nam-Il (Lee Chun-Soo 68), Yoo Sang-Chul, Lee Young-Pyo, Park Ji-Sung, Song Chong-Gug; Seol Ki-Hyeon, Ahn Jung-Hwan.

Booked: Kim Tae-Young, Song Chong-Gug, Lee Chun-Soo, Choi Jin-Chul.

Italy: Buffon, Panucci, Iuliano, Coco, Maldini, Zanetti, Zambrotta (Di Livio 72), Tommasi, Totti, Del Piero (Gattuso 61), Vieri.

Sent Off: Totti (104).

Booked: Coco, Totti, Tommasi, Zanetti.

Attendance: 38,588.

Referee: B Moreno (Ecuador).

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