Lebanon Defeats S.Korea in World Cup Qualifier

Lebanon defeated South Korea 2-1 in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, sparking a wave of celebrations across Lebanon.

Held at the Cite Sportive stadium in Beirut and attended by President Michel Suleiman, Lebanon’s Ali al-Saadi scored an early goal in the fourth minute after a free kick.

The Lebanese team, coached by German Theo Bucker, thwarted a strong South Korean offense until the 20th minute when the latter won a penalty after one of its players was fouled by Ramzi Dioub.

Ten minutes later, Lebanon was awarded a penalty.

Ali Atweh scored the penalty, granting Lebanon the lead, which it maintained to the end of the match, withholding wave after wave of Korean attacks.

Euphoric scenes ensued when the Saudi referee blew the final whistle, with Suleiman heading down to the football field to congratulate the players.

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri took to Twitter to congratulate Lebanon, saying: “Mabrook for all of us, mabrook for Lebanon. Lebanon did it again, congratulations to the players each one of them you made us proud.”

Lebanon is scheduled to play the United Arab Emirates in the final game on February 29.

It had defeated it 3-1 in the first leg held in September.

The Lebanese football team then headed to the Grand Serail where it met with Prime Minister Najib Miqati.

Cabinet later announced that each of the players will be granted LL 10 million for their efforts in the victory.