South Korea beats Iraq to reach Asian Cup final
The national South Korean soccer team has won through to the final of the AFC Asian Cup 2015.
The two-time Asian Cup holders overpowered Iraq in Sydney on Monday to claim a spot in the continental games’ final for the first time in 27 years.
Lee Jung-hyub scored 20 minutes into the game while Kim Young-gwon doubled the lead in the second half to give the East Asians what they had long yearned for.
It is South Korea’s first time in the final since 1988 where they lost the title to Saudi Arabia in Qatar. Uli Stelike’s men have yet to concede a goal in the tournament with their defense records one of the best in Asian Cup history.
South Korea dominated the game against the West Asian eagles until the very last minutes when Iraqis began to create some chances in front of Korea’s goal. However, the attempts all failed and goals did not arrive for the Iraqis.
Taeguk Warriors also took revenge for the 2007 semi-final defeat to Iraq, where they missed the chance to reach to the final after losing in penalty shootouts.
Iraq, seen as a surprise package in the current tournament, could have been expelled from the games if Asian Football Confederation had endorsed Iran’s plea over the eligibility of a player in the Arab team.
Iraqis beat Iran, a major favorite to win the games, after a long marathon in the quarterfinals.
South Korea should wait until Tuesday to know its rival in the final which is scheduled to be played in Stadium Australia on Saturday. The hosts, Australia, are to meet the United Arab Emirates, another surprise package, which kicked out defending champions Japan in the last round.
MS/HMV/SS
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