Courtesy of KFA
In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, South Korea emerged victorious over 10-man Australia with a 2-1 scoreline on Friday. The game, held at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, witnessed Hwang Hee-chan's last-minute penalty equalizer before Captain Son Heung-min sealed the win with a free-kick goal in the 104th minute of extra time.
South Korea, now just two wins away from ending their 64-year title drought at the continental tournament, is set to face Jordan in the semifinals at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. The upcoming match, scheduled for 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday or midnight Wednesday in South Korea time, follows their earlier 2-2 draw against Jordan in the group stage.
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| ▲ Courtesy of KFA |
Under the coaching of Jurgen Klinsmann, South Korea aims to clinch their first AFC title since 1960. The team has now played 120 minutes in consecutive matches, having previously secured a round-of-16 victory against Saudi Arabia through extra time and penalties.
Australia, managed by Graham Arnold, expressed disappointment at the loss, citing missed chances during the first 90 minutes and the conceded penalty as decisive moments. Craig Goodwin's left-footed volley in the 42nd minute gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the first half.
Despite early possession advantage for South Korea, Australia had a 6-0 shot attempt lead in the first half. The Taegeuk Warriors had a goal disallowed due to offside in the 31st minute.
South Korea's first shot on target came in the 49th minute, courtesy of Lee Kang-in. Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo crucially saved attempts by Australia's Martin Boyle in the 53rd minute.
Mitch Duke missed two opportunities to extend Australia's lead, with Jo denying a header in the 74th minute. In a counterattack, Duke's diving header went wide right.
The tide turned in stoppage time when Son Heung-min won a penalty, converted by Hwang Hee-chan for the 1-1 equalizer. In extra time, Hwang drew a foul, allowing Son to deliver a precise free-kick, putting South Korea ahead 2-1.
Australia's challenges intensified as Aiden O'Neill received a straight red card for a tackle on Hwang's ankle in the first extra period. Despite a late yellow card for Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae, South Korea secured the narrow victory.
Kim Min-jae, having accumulated his second yellow card of the tournament, will be ineligible for the semifinal clash against Jordan.
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Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com
