The Red Devils cheering squad crowds Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul early in the morning on June 23 to support the national soccer team. The fans gathered in the streets and chanted, "Korea," even though the game between Korea and Algeria didn't start until 4:00 a.m. local time. (photo: Jeon Han)
Cheers for Team Korea echoed across the country. The Red Devils cheering squad filled Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul to support the Korean national soccer team during its game against Algeria in Group H of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, on the morning of June 23. The streets were colored red with fans who were all decked out in red T-shirts, despite the game starting at 4:00 a.m. local time.
When the opening whistle blew about an hour before sunrise, the plaza was full of roaring fans, supporting Team Korea.
The Red Devils cheering squad shows its support for the national soccer team in Gwanghwamun Square during the game between Korea and Algeria in Group H of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, on June 23. (photo: Jeon Han)
The tight balance was shattered as Algeria scored the first goal in the 26th minute. After being down by one, the Korean national soccer team's defense lost its focus and allowed Algeria two more goals. Longing for a victory, the Korean fans, who had gathered the night before in Gwanghwamun Square, stayed up all night despite the rain. With Algeria leading Korea 3-0, they fell suddenly quiet, but they resumed cheering for their team after a short while.
Fans stand up and cheer as Korean midfielder Son Heung-min scores a goal in the 50th minute of the game between Korea and Algeria. (photo: Jeon Han)
As if responding to the fans' cheers, Korean midfielder Son Heung-min wittingly scored a goal five minutes into the second half, or in the 50th minute of the game. The crowds in the plaza erupted into cheers, hugging each other and crying out, "Korea," even louder.
Fans express their disappointment as the national soccer team narrowly misses a chance against Algeria. (photo: Jeon Han)
After Korea's first goal, now down 3-1, the Korean players kept pushing Algeria to narrow the African country's lead. However, Algeria scored its fourth goal in the 62nd minute, sending a blow to the Korean team's rising mood. Finally, in the 72nd minute, forward Koo Ja-cheol added a second goal, but the Koreans were not able to take the lead away from Algeria before the final whistle blew.
The fans continued to cheer hoping for a last minute victory, with shouts and exclamations running for the whole 45 minutes of the second half. However, with the final score of 4-2 and a defeat for Team Korea, the fans cleaned up the garbage scattered around the plaza and departed for home, promising to return to the streets to cheer on Korea when it faces Belgium at 5:00 a.m. on June 27.
By Jeon Han, Limb Jae-un
Korea.net staff writers
hanjeon@korea.kr
Members of the Red Devils cheering squad wear red T-shirts in support of Team Korea at Gwanghwamun Square on the morning of June 23. (photo: Jeon Han)
Anxious fans cry out in relief as the Korean national soccer team narrowly blocks an Algerian attack. (photo: Jeon Han)
Fans in Gwanghwamun Square eagerly watch the game against Algeria, longing for a Korean victory. (photo: Jeon Han)
The Red Devils cheering squad wears red T-shirts, horns and wigs to show its support for Team Korea on the morning of June 23. (photo: Jeon Han)
Fans of Team Korea clean up garbage in Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul after the match against Algeria on the morning of June 23. (photo: Jeon Han)
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