South Korea’s captain, Son Heung-min, showcased his brilliance in a high-stakes match, leading his team to the Asian Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Australia. The win sets up a clash against Jordan in the semi-finals, marking a significant step in South Korea’s quest for their first Asian Cup title since 1960.
In a closely contested quarter-final, Australia took the lead in the 42nd minute through Craig Goodwin, capitalizing on a defensive error by Hwang In-beom. However, South Korea’s resilience came to the forefront as they found a late equalizer in the 96th minute. Son Heung-min was fouled in the box, and Hwang Hee-chan calmly converted the penalty, forcing the game into extra time.
Son Heung-min, known for his clutch performances, once again rose to the occasion in the 104th minute. The South Korean captain curled in a magnificent free-kick from outside the box, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory and a place in the semi-finals.
Australia finished the match with ten men after Aiden O’Neill was red-carded in the first period of extra time. The loss marked Australia’s exit in the quarter-finals, their fifth appearance in the Asian Cup ending with an intense battle against South Korea.
Despite facing criticism, South Korea’s coach Jurgen Klinsmann expressed his determination and led his team in a jubilant celebration at the end of the match. “We’re still here, and we’re going to be here to the very end,” declared Klinsmann.
In another quarter-final clash, Jordan secured a historic spot in the last four with a tense 1-0 win over Tajikistan. As South Korea advances, they inch closer to potentially claiming the coveted Asian Cup title in the ongoing tournament in Qatar.
