INCHEON, Sept 28 (AFP): Hosts South Korea overcame fierce rivals Japan 1-0 in a feisty Asian Cup quarter-final Sunday thanks to a late penalty from captain Jang Hyun-Soo that triggered wild celebrations.
The Koreans, looking to end a 28-year title drought, play Thailand in the last four after finally breaking down Japan's stubborn resistance in front of 43,000 raucous fans in Incheon, many wearing flashing "Red Devils" horns.
Jang calmly tucked away a spot kick in the 88th minute after substitute Lee Jong-Ho had been clattered from behind and left with blood pouring from his nose.
As the stadium erupted with unbridled joy, match-winner Jang sprinted to the bench where he was mobbed by team-mates. "A few of the players were feeling the pressure tonight," South Korea coach Lee Kwang-Jong told reporters, a long sigh of relief as he entered his news conference speaking volumes.
"We need to show more composure in front of goal. The players must stay calm. Games are coming thick and fast and we're picking up a few injuries, but we can't use that as an excuse."
South Korea's players will be excused two years of mandatory military service if they win the tournament, which is played under the same under-23 format as the Olympics.
Thailand beat Jordan 2-0 earlier to set up a meeting with South Korea, who threw everything but the kitchen sink at defending champions Japan but lacked end product.
S Korea beat Japan to reach football semis
FE Team | Published: September 29, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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