JEDDAH, 23 June — South Korea’s victory against Spain in the penalty shootout yesterday was celebrated by Asian and Arab fans across the Kingdom who said the defeat of Senegal has made South Korea the only symbol of developing countries in the World Cup.

South Korean expatriates across Saudi Arabia were overjoyed yesterday as their team continued their remarkable run at the World Cup, becoming the first Asian country ever to reach semifinals. They were all in a mood to celebrate, although their 5-3 win was a cliffhanger penalty shootout against Spain.

They echoed President Kim Dae-Jung’s statement that their country’s victory had produced the nation’s happiest day in 5,000 years.

"This is the happiest day since ‘Dangung’ and now a new path to national prosperity has been opened," B.W. Lee, a top South Korean executive, said in Jeddah quoting the president. "After all, we’ve beaten major soccer powers Portugal, Italy and Spain in the current tournament."

Ho Kyoung Seo, general manager of LG Electronics, Jeddah, said, "From the start up to the final whistle, the Koreans played well. Victory or defeat is secondary, but what we like is they did their best. We’ll continue like this, and if we win the semifinals against Germany in Seoul on Tuesday, it will be yet another feather to our cap. Of course, Germany are a strong team and we keep our fingers crossed."

Jung Weon Cha, general manager of Samsung Electronics at its Middle East & Africa headquarters in Jeddah, said: "The Korean team worked very hard. Maybe because of the coach and good leadership their efforts were rewarded in the end. We’re thrilled by the result. However, we need to work harder to keep improving our position. I’m sure they’ll continue to do their best and achieve new targets."

The skill and determination of the South Koreans showed through as they scored all five penalties, and their goalkeeper managed to save one Spanish shot was praiseworthy, Saudi soccer fan Khaled Alghamdi said, adding: "The hero of the hour for South Koreans is a foreigner — Guus Hiddink, the Dutch coach who has dramatically improved Korean football prospects in the last 18 months with his distinctive management style."

In the Eastern Province Kim Soong, a South Korean construction engineer in Dammam, was ecstatic over his country’s victory over Spain. "It was a victory of determination, fitness and speed against the craftsmanship of Spaniards," he said.

The match that was 0-0 till full time went into extra time and South Korea missed a golden goal by a whisker. "It was unfortunate that the ball hit the bar, otherwise it would have been a very convincing win," said Kim.

"Our every victory was called an upset. It was very right expression because we upset the established names in the world of soccer," said Deng Yong, an executive in a joint venture in Jubail Industrial City.

Moqbil Al-Sayyari, Gulf editor of Arriyadiyah, said Korea have a hard- earned victory. He, however, has reservations over the denial of two Spanish goals by the referee. He said one of the shots was a sure goal against Korea.

Many Europeans and Americans in the Eastern Province were skeptical about the Korean win. "It appears that South Korea is being launched by FIFA as World champions. The episode with Italy is still fresh in our mind and today also referee denied two goals to Spain," said Bob Dayle, an American.

In Riyadh, Zeynel Abidin Akin, press counselor at the Turkish Embassy, was delighted that his country continuing its shock run at the World Cup, qualified for the semifinals for the first time in its history after beating Senegal 1-0 with a golden goal from Ilhan Mansiz.

"Several members of our team play for European clubs and have good international exposure," he said citing Umit Davala, a well-known footballer from Turkey, whose cross to Ilhan led to the golden goal. He said Turkey kept piling up pressure on Senegal, as they were dominating the game with clever passes and good teamwork.

Senegal’s defeat came as a surprise to many Arabs and Africans. Though they admitted that Turkey were a better side, but the spate of upsets by Senegal had given them hope.

Mehmood Laota, sports editor of Al-Eqtisadiah, said the manner of their elimination was a hard blow to Senegal, especially when Henri Camara had almost snatched the win in the second half by lobbing a powerful low shot that was saved by Turkish goalkeeper Rustu Recber. "Even so, Senegal should have nothing to be ashamed of. They really played well and showed the high caliber of African football. We from the African continent really feel proud of Senegal’s performance."

Reacting to South Korea’s 5-3 win over Spain in the penalty shootout, Il Chung, charge d’affaires at the Korean Embassy, said this victory is not just for South Korea, it is for all the Asian countries.

— Javid Hassan in Riyadh, Saeed Haider in Dammam & K.S. Ramkumar in Jeddah