64,375 fans welcomed at South Korean men's World Cup qualifier amid soaring Covid-19 cases

By Gawon Bae, CNN

Updated 1338 GMT (2138 HKT) March 25, 2022

A general view during the match between South Korea and Iran at Seoul World Cup Stadium on March 24, 2022.

(CNN)March 24 was a day to remember for South Korean football fans and players.

The men's national team had gone more than 11 years without beating Iran but that streak ended on Thursday when it won 2-0 to move top of its World Cup qualifying group. And the moment was witnessed by 64,375 fans at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, the most spectators welcomed at a sporting event in South Korea since the pandemic started.South Korean captain Son Heung-min and defender Kim Young-gwon each slotted home and celebrated their goals in front of the fans who were all strictly wearing masks.«I haven't seen a crowd of 60,000 people recently, and preparations for the game were festive, so I felt the atmosphere was hyped up even at the stadium gate,» South Korean fan Won Jong-in told CNN Sport. «Of course, the game was good, but I think it's fair to say that fans were feeling the vibe. It was inspiring to see lit Red Devils headbands filling the stands!Read More»It was a really good game. I don't remember the last time I smiled and jumped, watching national team's games recently. It feels as if I've been to a festival."In a post-match interview aired on TV, Son said he had missed laughing and enjoying the game with the fans.«So many fans came [to the game] at a late hour on a weekday, helping us to play a good game,» Son said, thanking the spectators for filling the stands. South Korea's Kim Young-gwon celebrates his goal in front of fans. Limited spectatorsSpectators held up colored cards to spell «We missed you» before kickoff — something prepared by the Korea Football