FIFA HIGHLIGHTS: Top 3 Memorable World Cup Comebacks Ever

In 2002, Italy took a team capable of lifting the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. In attack they counted on Alessandro Del Piero, Christian Vieri, Francesco Totti and Filippo Inzaghi. The center back duo of Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta was the best in the world. The captain Paolo Maldini was one of the only two players in the team over 30 years old. And in goal, they had Gianluigi Buffon, arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet.

But South Korea had come on strong in the group stage. They had a convincing 2-0 win over Poland, followed by a 1-1 draw with the United States. In their final group match, Guus Hiddink’s men eliminated Portugal with an improbable 1-0 victory.

The atmosphere in this knockout match in Daejeon was intense with the fanatic home support desperate for an upset. And after only 4 minutes, they had something to cheer about as South Korea won a penalty. But Ahn Jung-hwan saw it saved by Buffon. Then things got worse. Midway through the first half, Vieri powered a header close to the post. It looked like Italy were on their way.

But Korea found it in themselves to rally. For much of the second half, the Azurri defended. Then, with two minutes left, Seol Ki-Hyeon took advantage of a mistake by Christian Panucci to equalize. The stadium went crazy!

The game went to sudden death in overtime. There were a handful of chances for both teams – Vieri missed from close range and Cha Du-ri had a header saved by Buffon – but it looked like it was headed to penalties. That is, until the 177th minute when Lee Young-Pyo’s cross found Ahn in the box. He rose above Maldini and headed for the corner of Buffon’s net to send the country into ecstasy – and the Italians on their way home.