AL JANOUB STADIUM – South Korea emerged victorious in a thrilling Asian Cup quarter-final clash against Australia, securing a spot in the semi-finals with a 2-1 comeback win in extra time. The match, played at Al Janoub Stadium on Friday, witnessed a dramatic turn of events, with Son Heung-min delivering a sublime free-kick to seal the win.
Australia, having beaten South Korea in the 2015 final with the same scoreline in extra time, took the lead just before halftime. Nathaniel Atkinson’s cross found Craig Goodwin, who calmly volleyed into the bottom corner, putting Australia ahead.
However, South Korea demonstrated resilience and determination, netting a crucial stoppage-time goal to force the game into extra time. Son Heung-min, who had scored in the 2015 final defeat against Australia, played a pivotal role in the comeback.
In extra time, Son Heung-min’s exquisite free-kick proved to be the decisive moment, securing South Korea’s place in the semi-finals. Reflecting on the victory, Son stated, “Back in 2015 it was painful, but I wouldn’t call it revenge. It’s part of football and that result helped me mature as a player.”
The Asian Cup has provided thrilling encounters, with South Korea navigating through challenges to reach the semi-finals. The tournament continues to captivate football fans with its unpredictable outcomes and moments of brilliance.
South Korea will face Jordan in the first semi-final on Tuesday, setting the stage for another intense battle. The South Korean team, led by coach Juergen Klinsmann, expressed pride in their performance and the team’s spirit.
Australia vs South Korea 1-2: Asian Cup 2023 quarterfinal
Captain Son Heung-min – “It was a tough, tough match. Ideally, it was not the way we want to win the game. But if it has to be, we are happy with it.”
“For me, it was a fantastic game.”
Klinsmann’s Tactical Shift and Son’s Brilliance Propel South Korea to Asian Cup Semis
South Korea’s path to the Asian Cup semi-finals included a strategic masterstroke by coach Juergen Klinsmann, who made a key tactical change in the second half of their quarter-final clash against Australia. The move involved pushing star player Son Heung-min further forward, a decision that proved decisive in their dramatic 2-1 comeback win.
In the dying moments of regular time, Son Heung-min was fouled in the box by Lewis Miller, resulting in a penalty. Hwang Hee-chan, the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, took the responsibility and calmly slotted the ball into the top corner, forcing the game into extra time. This marked South Korea’s fourth goal after the 90th minute in the tournament.
Reflecting on the penalty decision, Son Heung-min stated, “I’m usually the first kicker but I was fatigued, and Hwang was confident to step up and take the penalty, so I said ok. He’s a very important player, and he had a good chance to prove he’s important.”
In extra time, Son Heung-min once again showcased his brilliance, winning a free-kick on the edge of the box after another foul committed by Lewis Miller. Son’s perfectly executed free-kick sailed past goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, finding the net and sparking jubilant celebrations.
Australia’s attempts to mount a comeback were dealt a blow when Aiden O’Neill received a red card after a VAR review for a foul on Hwang Hee-chan, reducing Australia to 10 men for the second half of extra time. Despite their efforts, Australia couldn’t find an equalizer, and South Korea secured their place in the semi-finals.
Australia’s coach, Graham Arnold, acknowledged the challenge of facing South Korea’s players who compete in top leagues with a fast tempo. He commented, “They can run the legs off teams and punish us in the end.”
South Korea will face Jordan in the semi-finals, continuing their quest for Asian Cup glory. The team’s resilience, tactical acumen, and Son Heung-min’s pivotal role have been key factors in their journey through the tournament.
South Korea Triumphs Over Australia in Dramatic AFC Asian Cup Quarterfinal Clash
In a gripping AFC Asian Cup 2023 quarterfinal match, South Korea emerged victorious over Australia with a 2-1 win after extra time. The encounter, held at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, unfolded with late heroics from South Korean players, setting the stage for a semifinal showdown with Jordan.
The late drama began with Hwang Hee-chan’s nerveless equalizer from the penalty spot, leveling the score for South Korea and forcing the game into extra time. The comeback gained momentum when Son Heung-min, a key figure for South Korea, secured the winner with a spectacular free-kick, sealing their place in the semifinals.
Earlier in the day, Jordan secured their spot in the last four by defeating Tajikistan with a 1-0 victory. With these results, South Korea is set to face Jordan in the upcoming semifinal clash.
The AFC Asian Cup 2023 continues to deliver intense and thrilling matches, keeping football fans on the edge of their seats. South Korea’s late escapes and impressive performances have added a layer of excitement to the tournament, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football at the highest level. The journey to crown the Asian champion remains fiercely contested, with more excitement expected in the remaining matches.