Asian cup 2024: Son leads South Korea to the semifinals of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with an extra-time winning goal against Australia.
In the 2015 final, Australia secured their first Asian Cup by defeating South Korea in extra time with the same scoreline. However, in the current scenario, the East Asian team emerges victorious, scoring an additional goal in stoppage time to push the match into extra time.
Securing a 2-1 comeback victory in extra time at Al Janoub Stadium, South Korea advances to the Asian Cup semi-finals on Friday, propelled by Son Heung-min’s sublime free-kick winner
On Tuesday, South Korea faces Jordan in the initial semi-final, following Jordan’s 1-0 triumph over Tajikistan earlier on Friday. Notably, South Korea secured a late equalizer in their group stage clash, resulting in a 2-2 draw against Jordan.
It was undoubtedly another dramatic encounter, and we’re overjoyed to progress. The intense battle against Australia was anticipated, and going through 120 minutes again, I’m proud of this team and their spirit,” remarked South Korea coach Juergen Klinsmann.
Martin Boyle had an opportunity to make it 2-0 after receiving a cross into the box, but goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo thwarted him with two saves. Mitchell Duke’s volley from the rebound sailed over the bar, granting South Korea a reprieve.
Alteration in tactics. :-
In the second half, Klinsmann implemented a tactical shift, pushing Son further forward. This strategy proved effective when Son was fouled by Lewis Miller in the box during the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Hwang Hee-chan, the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, stepped up, taking his time to compose himself before slotting his effort into the top corner, forcing extra time – their fourth goal after the 90th minute in the tournament.
Despite being the usual penalty taker, Son, fatigued at the moment, allowed Hwang to take the spot-kick, emphasizing Hwang’s significance. In the extra time, Hwang earned a free-kick on the edge of the box, capitalizing on a foul by Miller. Son’s expertly taken free-kick sailed past the wall, beating Mathew Ryan and triggering jubilant celebrations, with Klinsmann joining in the excitement.
Australia’s comeback efforts suffered a setback when Aiden O’Neill was sent off after a VAR review for a foul on Hwang, reducing them to 10 men for the second half of extra time. Despite their efforts, Australia couldn’t find an equalizer.
Graham Arnold expressed devastation over the game’s conclusion, acknowledging South Korea’s players’ ability to maintain a fast tempo, citing their experience in top leagues like Tottenham and Wolves, capable of wearing down opponents and securing victories in the end.