Chinese Super League players heroes in South Korea, Brazil win

South Korea's Kim Young-gwon scores the opening goal during the group F match between South Korea and Germany, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia, Wednesday, June 27, 2018. [Photo: AP]

South Korea's Kim Young-Gwon has become the first Chinese Super League player to score a goal at this edition of the World Cup. 

The Guangzhou Evergrande defender chipped in the first of South Korea's two stoppage time goals against Germany, effectively sending the reigning champions home after the group stage. 

It was Kim's first World Cup goal. 

However the 2-0 win wasn't enough to send South Korea through to the round of 16. Kim and his teammates have to settle for 3rd place in Group F and an early exit from Russia. 

Brazil's Paulinho scores his side's opening goal during the group E match between Serbia and Brazil, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, June 27, 2018. [Photo: AP]

In a Group E game that followed, former Evergrande midfielder Paulinho also scored the first goal for Brazil in their 2-0 win over Serbia. 

Paulinho tapped a long ball from near the center circle and sent it home to give Brazil a 1-0 lead in the first half. 

Brazil reached the knock outs from top of their group. 

It's life or death against Mexico next.