As Klinsmann won a dramatic upset against Australia and advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, Japanese media reported that “Korea has made a miraculous advance to the semifinals.”
South Korea’s national soccer team, led by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, won 2-1 with Son Heung-min’s free-kick winning goal in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup against Australia at Al-Zanup Stadium in Al-Wakra, Qatar, on the 3rd (Korea time).
South Korea, which has advanced to the semifinals for the first time in nine years, will compete with Jordan for the final at 00:00 a.m. on the 7th at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Alayyan.
South Korea won the tournament for the second straight game.
Earlier, Korea had a great turnaround in the round of 16 against Saudi Arabia, a powerhouse in the Middle East. Cho Kyu-sung scored an equalizer in extra time in the second half when he was trailing 0-1, bringing the game back to square one, and then laughing with two saves by goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo in the penalty shootout.
The quarterfinals also had a dramatic reversal drama. South Korea was losing in the 42nd minute of the first half by allowing Krake Goodwin to score the first goal, but Hwang Hee-chan scored a penalty kick earned by Son Heung-min in the extra time of the second half to lead the game to extra time. Later, Son Heung-min scored a come-from-behind goal with a picturesque free kick in the 14th minute of the first half of extra time.
Japanese media also reported Korea’s dramatic victory.
Sports Hochi said, “Korea made a miraculous advance to the semifinals. Son Heung-min made a come-from-behind victory with a super free kick goal. Korea struggled to pass the group stage, drawing with Jordan and Malaysia, but dramatically defeated powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Australia in succession.”
Socceroos also highlighted captain Son Heung-min’s performance, saying, “Korea won two consecutive games. Son Heung-min was the leading player in advancing to the semifinals.”
The media said, “In the second half of the extra time, a golden opportunity came for Korea. Son Heung-min penetrated with a skillful dribble and induced a penalty kick. Hwang Hee-chan kicked the penalty kick to bring the game to square one,” adding, “In overtime, Son Heung-min shot with his right foot in a free-kick situation outside the penalty area, and the ball was sucked into Australia’s goal with a clean parabola.” 헤라카지노주소
Nikkan Sports paid attention to the fierce back of the Taegeuk Warriors, saying, “Korea has advanced to the championship for the first time in 64 years with phenomenal persistence.”
“Korea scored goals in extra time in the second half of four consecutive games, including against Jordan, against Malaysia, against Saudi Arabia and against Australia. The spirit of Germany, which never gives up until the end, is embedded in the tiger of Asia,” he said.