Despite the low temperatures, people did not hold back. About 8,000 people gathered at "Gwanghwamun" Square in central Seoul around midnight on Friday to early Saturday (Korea time) and celebrated with tears in their eyes the huge success of Paulo Bento's team.

"I was absolutely thrilled, we had won a corner I remember, we were going into stoppage time and Sean was running like crazy," said Lee Tae-woo, speaking of the Tottenham striker, having watched the game with friends earlier. "I was so nervous, but I'm so happy they made it."

Many on social media "uploaded" Sean's interview, in which he tearfully admitted that he had not performed well, thanking his team-mates for the dramatic victory.

I love you Korea

Sean posted photos of the team celebrating the win, commenting on Instagram: “We didn't give up and you didn't give up on us. I love you Korea.” His post garnered more than 3 million likes and more than 50,000 replies.

"It was heartbreaking to see him crying and apologizing for his performance, even though he did great even with an injury," said Seoul resident Kim Hyun-joo. Although she was unfamiliar with soccer, she added that she "enjoyed the game."

The President of the country

President Yoon Suk-geol congratulated the team via Facebook, hoping the players will continue to show their potential and enjoy the tournament, even if they face five-time world champions Brazil in the knockout stage.

The term "Ghanaian chocolate" was trending on South Korean Twitter, referring to a brand by Seoul-based Lotte Confectionery Co Ltd that uses cocoa beans from Ghana. There were not a few Korean fans who praised the African team saying that they did their best until the last minute.

"I will not eat any chocolate but Ghana until I die," one person tweeted. Another said: “What am I doing? On my way to a CVS to get a... Ghana, of course.”