Three not enough for Ryan Walker, Northern Ireland on the precipice of progression

Ryan Walker became the first player in the tournament to score four goals in a match, as Northern Ireland defeated South Korea 5-1.

Northern Ireland's passage to the final could theoretically be sealed as the team rest, with Chile and Italy both needing to win their respective tomorrow to remain a chance to join Scotland in the final.

After Paul Cassidy's re-classification, Jordan Walker started in goal, picking the ball out of his net inside three minutes as Choi Jongwoong put South Korea into the ascendancy.

The Northern Irish response was delayed but pivotal, Ryan Walker starting his hat-trick just before the half-time whistle and completing it 11 minutes after to put the game beyond doubt.

His fourth four minutes later and a David Leavy goal added to the celebrations before the mood quickly changed as South Korea's Jang Junho was stretchered off. An immediate and wonderful response allowed him to be taken into safe hands, as the full-time whistle blew shortly after.

Depending on other results, Mal Donaghy's team could be final-bound before they play next against Chile, with South Korea to play them 24 hours earlier in their next game.