Lebanon was shockingly united two times this month

One colored-crowd

Lebanon was shockingly united two times this month. The first one was met with frustration after Jeita Grotto failed to be one of the world’s new seven wonders. But yesterday the ball was in its right court. Lebanon won. 

The Lebanese national soccer team beat its fancied South Korean counterpart during FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifications with a stunning 2-1 as a final score.

The stadium of Camille Chamoun Sports City in Beirut burst with joy where an estimated 40,000 fan emotionally jumped from their places, hugged each other leaving their long-time differences aside and celebrated Lebanon’s victory.

 

Lebanon's President Michel Sleiman after the match

The win boosts Lebanon’s chances of reaching the final qualifying round for the world cup.

The match was attended by President Michel Sleiman who congratulated the team members one by one. Prime Minister Najib Miqati even agreed to give workers and schoolchildren time off Tuesday afternoon so that they could watch the game.

He invited the players to the Grand Serail where they were congratulated by Cabinet members and the players were each awarded LL10 million ($6,645) by Cabinet for the performance.

IN DETAILS
An Ali Al Saadi goal and Abbas Ali Atwi's penalty, either side of Ja-Cheol Koo's spot kick for South Korea, sealed the famous victory for Lebanon.

The win leaves South Korea top of Group B, level on points with second-placed Lebanon and two points ahead of Kuwait in third.

Japan, who had already secured passage to the final round, went down 1-0 away to 10-man North Korea.

Uzbekistan now appears set to top Group C ahead of Japan following their 3-0 win over Tajikistan.

Any of Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Oman could all still feature, after the latter two played out a goalless draw in Riyadh.

Iraq defeated Jordan 3-1 in a clash between the top two in Group A, with China eliminated despite their 4-0 win over Singapore.

Iran is also through following their 4-1 win away to Indonesia in Group E. Qatar and Bahrain are second and third respectively.