South Korea coach Guus Hiddink was fulll of praise for his players after their remarkable Golden Goal victory over Italy.

“It is unique that we have done so well,” he said. “We have beaten one of the superpowers of world football.”

Korea came into the tournament withou a World Cup win in 14 matches but but the co-hosts have now reached the last eight, beating Poland, Portugal and Italy on the way. Spain await in the quarter-finals.

“I have a lot of respect for Spain,” Hiddink said. “But I don’t care about them tonight. We are doing very well, we know the people must celebrate tonight.”

“I won’t mention one best player, all the players, all those who came in and those on the bench were the best,” said the Dutchman.