GHANA scored three goals to South Korea’s two in their Group H game on Monday afternoon; but it was their heroic defenders – and a large slice of luck – that won the absorbing game.

It was a brilliant spectacle for the fans as well as the millions of global viewers who were treated to no fewer than 11 goals in the day’s first two fixtures.

Ghana weren’t even in the picture for the first 20 minutes but a stunning cross by Jordan Ayew created havoc in the Korean box and Mohammed Salisu fed on the scraps to prod the ball home (1-0)

It was a Jorden Ayew repeat performance soon after: another wonderful cross from the left and this time Mohammed Kudus reacted first to emphatically head home goal number two for the physically imposing Ghanaians.

But this has been the tournament of comebacks, and two goals in three minutes for the Asians, both from the impressive Cho Gue-sung to level matters at 2-2 on the hour.

The big striker used his head literally and figuratively to find space and time to jump well and strike gold twice.

Ghana regained the lead in fortunate fashion as Anaki Williams tried to connect with a cross from the left but struck fresh air instead.

The ball ran through to Kudus and the Ajax star cut inside and lashed home a left-footed shot (3-2).

It was now up to the Ghana defence to protect the lead, which they did under tremendous pressure as Korea swarmed all over the last third of the park.

It was a wave of red shirts, a swarm of crosses from right and left, a load of close calls and missed chances…but no reward as Ghana fought with every fibre of their being.

The Koreans were fuming when the whistle blew as they were about to take a corner, with coach Paulo Bento being red-carded.

A pity there had to be a loser but a wonderful day for football – and for pharmacists selling blood pressure tablets.