The national soccer team has advanced to the 2010 FIFA World Cup's second round for just the second time with a 2-2 draw against Nigeria.

The Taegeuk Warriors finished second in Group B behind Argentina and made history by qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time on foreign soil. Argentina's 2-0 win over Greece also helped South Korea's cause.

Defender Lee Jung-soo tied the score in the 38th minute by volleying a free kick from Ki Sung-yueng into the goal. Striker Park Chu-young broke out of his scoring slump by shooting a free kick into the net in the 49th minute for the team's second goal. Park's goal was his first in a World Cup.

Nigeria had taken the early lead in the 12th minute when Kalu Uche got in front of defender Cha Du-ri and shot home a cross from Chidi Odiah. Uche nearly increased his team's lead in the 36th minute, but his blast hit the right post.

The Nigerians then tied the score in the 69th minute off a costly penalty by veteran South Korean defender Kim Nam-il. Kim got a yellow card for tackling Yakubu Ayegbeni in the penalty box and Yakubu converted the spot kick.

Yakubu had missed a wide open goal directly in front of the net three minutes earlier in one of the worst misses of the tournament.

Obafemi Martins had a golden chance to put Nigeria ahead in the 79th minute. The Nigerian striker only had the goalie to beat but his shot over Jung Sung-ryong bounced harmlessly wide right of the goal.

The Taegeuk Warriors held off the Nigerians in the final minutes to advance.

South Korea will play Group A winner Uruguay Saturday in the first game of the World Cup's second round.