Bolivian Goalkeeper's 'Hand of God' Prevents Lee Jaesung's Goalpost Collision Disaster

Scene from Korea-Bolivia Friendly Match Draws Attention

A scene from the national team A-match friendly against Bolivia, where the opposing goalkeeper appeared to prevent Lee Jaesung from colliding with the goalpost, has become a hot topic.

On the 14th, at Daejeon World Cup Stadium, the men's national football team A-match friendly between South Korea and Bolivia took place. After Lee Jae-sung made a diving header shot, he nearly hit his head hard on the goalpost, but the Bolivian goalkeeper pushed Lee Jae-sung's head with his hand, preventing a serious injury. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the 16th, several online communities shared footage titled "Bolivian Keeper Prevents Lee Jaesung's Injury." The scene was captured during the national team friendly held at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on the 14th, at the moment when Lee Jaesung attempted a header shot.

At that time, in the 9th minute of the first half, Lee Jaesung launched himself to meet a corner kick lofted by Son Heungmin, heading the ball. As the ball headed toward the goal, Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra tipped it away with his fingertips. When the ball spilled out, Lee Jaesung slid on the ground to push the ball toward the goal, once again extending his head.

During this process, there was a dangerous moment when Lee Jaesung almost crashed his head into the goalpost frame, but Viscarra pushed Lee Jaesung's head away with his hand, helping him avoid a major impact. At the same time, Viscarra also cleared the ball away from the goal with his foot. After the ball went out past the goal line and the situation ended, Lee Jaesung turned to check on Viscarra's condition.

The men's national soccer team A-match friendly between South Korea and Bolivia held on the 14th at Daejeon World Cup Stadium. After Lee Jae-sung made a diving header shot, he nearly hit his head hard against the goalpost, but the Bolivian goalkeeper pushed Lee Jae-sung's head with his hand, preventing a serious injury. Captured from an online community

This scene became a major topic among domestic football fans. Netizens expressed their gratitude to Viscarra, leaving comments such as "I respect the true sportsmanship of the Bolivian goalkeeper," "The Bolivian goalkeeper saved Lee Jaesung," "It's admirable to see someone put people before the game," and "It looked like he supported Lee Jaesung's face until he stood up." Korean football fans also left comments on Viscarra's social media, saying, "That was awesome," and "Thank you for saving Lee Jaesung."

Some argued that Viscarra's hand happened to touch Lee Jaesung's head while reaching for the ball, but many agreed that, regardless, Viscarra's actions helped Lee Jaesung avoid a serious injury.

Born in 1993, Viscarra was first selected for Bolivia's senior national team in 2016 and has played in 33 A-matches to date.

Meanwhile, in this match, the national team secured a 2-0 victory with Son Heungmin's opening goal in the 12th minute of the second half and Cho Guesung's additional goal in the 43rd minute. Under coach Hong Myungbo, the team is scheduled to play a friendly against African powerhouse Ghana at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 18th.